The Change In Building Regulations

Electrical Compliance with Part L

Building regulations have recently changed in line with the EPBD (European Union Performance of Buildings Directive) to incorporate a better energy saving rating for residential and commercial buildings in an attempt to reduce global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

These new regulations mean that all new and existing buildings must be given an energy rating, and that all new buildings must meet minimum standards with regards to energy efficiency.

Part L refers to conservation of fuel and power, and this incorporates lighting. There are 4 Approved Documents to Part L, L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B.

The new 2013 building regulations, which came into effect in April 2014, means that at least 30% of lighting must be low energy, and at least 75% of fittings must be low energy for continuously populated areas.

The main changes are:

  • Lighting is now measured in LENI (lighting energy numeric indicator) and measures predicted energy in use and not how efficient a luminaire is
  • LENI incorporates daylight, occupancy, operating hours and the controls package to predict its output
  • There are now two approaches to calculating efficiency: one based on LENI and one based on luminaire efficacy
  • Target luminaire efficacy rate has been raised from 55 to 60 lumens per circuit watt.
  • Occupancy and daylight controls are not the only deliverable and measurable controls, other options can be factored in.

Also to be considered for refurbishing or re-wiring buildings, energy efficient lighting must be used. When refurbishing an existing building with an area larger than 100m2 or when re-wiring a house considerations need to be made.

What this means to you

If you are looking to comply to these new standards, Lighting Services can help either upgrade your lighting, or design a completely new lighting scheme.

We read somewhere that ‘a specialist lighting designer will typically use 30% less energy than a non-lighting expert’ so why not take advantage of our design services.

More information can be found on the planning portal click here.