ENERGY EFFICIENCY Extra
Window systems and the new Part L – what the industry needs to know
The Government has announced changes to Part L of the Building Regulations which will come into force from June 2022 . These are designed to reduce the carbon emissions of our buildings and will have significant implications for the design and construction of buildings – including window and façade systems .
What do the changes mean ? The Future Homes Standard will demand new buildings produce at least 75 % less carbon emissions when compared to current levels . To ease the way the Government has introduced new Part L regulations as an interim measure , in which all new buildings will need to generate 30 % fewer CO 2 emissions than the current regulations allow .
The new legislation means the thermal regulations for windows and openings are changing . The current U-values for the thermal transmittance of windows and openings into all settings ( new and existing buildings ) are to be upgraded . Take a look at the documents below to see the specific changes in U-value per application :
Approved Document L , volume 1 : dwellings - https :// www . gov . uk / government / publications / conservation-of-fuel-andpower-approved-document-l
Approved Document L , volume 2 : buildings other than dwellings - https :// www . gov . uk / government / publications / conservation-of-fuel-and-power-approveddocument-l
What you need to do
We ’ d urge specifiers , contractors , fabricators , and installers to start to prepare now . We recommend you familiarise yourself with the Future Building Standards document and ensure you understand implications for window systems as well as other parts of the building envelope .
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Some of our products also exceed the new U-value requirement
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Also consult with specialists to understand how the change in U-value requirements will impact the aesthetics and cost of façade systems . This will enable you to begin planning future specifications and installations so can select the most suitable products , that are fully compliant and meet the clients design requirements .
Rigorous evaluation and testing
Over the last year we ’ ve rigorously benchmarked the new U-values against our current products and planned new products to ensure they comply . This involved a detailed finite elements calculation and FEA analysis using specific thermal modelling software . We also used a BISCO FEA analysis to calculate the thermal performance of all our products . As well as carrying out additional analysis associated with the BFRC ( British Fenestration Rating Council ) which is a labelling system for window products , to give our customers the utmost confidence in their purchasing decision .
Reynaers has a comprehensive range of products – windows , doors , sliding doors , folding doors , and curtain walls – that fully comply with the new regulations .
Some of our products also exceed the new U-value requirement , providing additional thermal performance and making them future proof , in lieu of additional regulatory changes in the future .
Be reassured with Reynaers
We ’ ve been preparing for these changes for well over a year to ensure we can provide our customers with absolute reassurance that when they specify or install Reynaers products they are fully compliant with the updated regulations .
As a company , we ’ ve been closely involved in the development of the new regulations . John McComb , Technical Director , and sits on various committees .
The company is also a member of the Curtain Walling and Cladding Technology ( CTCT ) group and is actively involved working in collaboration with trade bodies and the Government .
To help support the industry , in the coming months we ’ ll be announcing a series of in-person and online events as well as a range of guidance materials to make it as easy as possible for our customers to choose products that comply with the new Part L and meet the right performance and aesthetic standards .
www . reynaers . co . uk
20 FEBRUARY 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM