UK Building Regulations Updates

The UK Building Regulations are a set of standards to be adhered to by those involved in the design, construction, and alterations to every new and existing building in the United Kingdom. 

These standards are regularly revised and updated to ensure that all buildings are regulated, safe and in line with UK government goals and objectives.

The impact of global warming over the last few decades has led to the necessity for the world to work together to reduce carbon emissions and towards achieving Net Zero. In line with this, the UK government has set the bold but necessary target of achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.

In efforts to achieve the UK government’s target, several changes have been made to the UK Building Regulations. These changes align with strategy implemented by the government for reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency in residential and non-residential buildings.

The changes apply specifically to Approved Documents Part F, L, O and newly Approved Document S which came into force on the 15th of June 2022. 


UK Building Regulations Updates e-Guide

Download our e-Guide to find out about the key changes that have been made to UK Building Regulations, the reasons behind these changes, as well as the key interaction and links between all parts.


                       Download e-Guide




Talk to us

More from our Knowledge Share

To ensure that global temperature rise stays within the 2-degree limit set by the Paris Agreement, designers must extend their focus beyond operational energy to also address embodied carbon.

Both the RICS Professional Statement and the London Plan prioritise this aspect of carbon reduction efforts.

Now, for large-scale developments in London, Whole Life Carbon Assessments (LCA) and Circular Economy Statements are mandatory.

What does this mean for your project?

LCA considers every step from raw material extraction through manufacturing, distribution, use, and eventual disposal.

Conducting an LCA allows you to showcase reduced environmental impacts by:

  • Assessing building site options to select the lowest-impact choice.
  • Comparing the environmental impacts of renovation versus demolition and new construction.
  • Evaluating design alternatives to choose the least impactful ones.
  • Identifying environmental hotspots in a building and taking corrective measures.
  • Estimating the lifetime impact of building materials and products to determine the most sustainable options.

How can Futura Bright assist?

The RICS Guidance offers a standardised, science-based methodology for quantifying the lifetime environmental impact of development projects.

We utilise One Click LCA (endorsed by the GLA) to help you meet local and regional requirements. We can compile compliant Whole Life Carbon and Circular Economy Statements to support your development scheme.

With One Click LCA, we guide you through all submission stages, from pre-application to post-construction, facilitating the transition to a holistic carbon approach.

Using this platform enables us to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment of the entire building quickly, pinpointing areas requiring action and helping you demonstrate your sustainability credentials to relevant authorities effectively.

Photographic evidence is now required as part of Building Regulations Part L 2021 compliance

Did you know that photographic documentation has become a pivotal aspect of ensuring compliance with the latest Building Regulations Part L 2021? 

This recent requirement marks a significant shift in the construction industry’s approach to verifying adherence to energy efficiency standards.

Under Building Regulations Part L 2021, photographic evidence is now mandated for all newly constructed dwellings undergoing assessment. However, it’s essential to note that this requirement doesn’t extend to non-residential buildings, conversions, or extensions, which are exempt from this provision.

The primary objective behind this mandate is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves to meticulously document the construction processes of each dwelling, offering a comprehensive visual record of the various stages from foundation to completion. This documentation not only provides transparency but also aids in quality assurance, ensuring that every aspect of construction aligns with the original design specifications.

Moreover, the inclusion of photographic evidence is instrumental in identifying any deviations or discrepancies that may arise during the construction phase. By capturing these deviations in real-time, stakeholders can promptly address and rectify any issues, thereby upholding the integrity of the project and minimising potential risks.

Furthermore, the requirement for photographic evidence plays an important role in updating energy modeling to accurately reflect the finished building. By visually documenting key energy efficiency features, such as insulation installations, air sealing measures, and renewable energy systems, stakeholders can enhance the precision of energy performance assessments and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Navigating these evolving requirements can be daunting amidst the myriad of changes occurring within the construction industry. 

Check out our handy e-Guide

Maximising Natural Light: Understanding Daylight, Sunlight, and Overshadowing in Building Design

In the pursuit of creating healthy, sustainable, and visually appealing built environments, architects and designers are increasingly prioritising the integration of natural light into their projects. 

Daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing play crucial roles in shaping the quality of indoor and outdoor spaces, influencing everything from occupant comfort and well-being to energy efficiency and architectural aesthetics. Let’s delve into these concepts to understand their significance in building design.

Daylight: Illuminating Indoor Spaces

Daylight refers to the natural light that enters a building through windows, skylights, or other openings, illuminating interior spaces. Beyond its practical function of providing illumination, daylight has profound impacts on human health, productivity, and mood. Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved concentration, enhanced circadian rhythms, and reduced symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In architectural design, maximising daylight penetration is key to creating inviting, visually stimulating interiors. Strategies such as orienting buildings to optimise solar exposure, incorporating large windows and glazed facades, and using reflective surfaces to distribute light can help harness the benefits of daylighting while minimising the need for artificial lighting.

Sunlight: Harnessing Solar Energy

Sunlight, specifically direct sunlight, plays a dual role in building design: it provides natural illumination and serves as a renewable energy source through solar gain. By strategically positioning windows, solar panels, and shading devices, architects can harness sunlight to optimise both daylighting and energy performance.

Sunlight analysis tools allow designers to predict and visualise the path of the sun throughout the day and across seasons, informing decisions about building orientation, window placement, and shading strategies. By balancing the desire for ample natural light with the need to mitigate solar heat gain, architects can create comfortable, energy-efficient spaces that benefit both occupants and the environment.

Overshadowing: Balancing Light and Shade

While maximising natural light is desirable, it’s essential to consider the potential for overshadowing, where adjacent buildings or landscape features block sunlight from reaching certain areas. Overshadowing can have significant implications for building design, affecting everything from daylight availability to solar panel performance.

Through careful site analysis and planning, architects can minimise overshadowing by optimising building massing, height, and orientation. Techniques such as setback and step-backs, building setbacks, and the strategic placement of taller buildings can help mitigate overshadowing effects while preserving access to natural light and views.

Daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing are integral considerations in architectural design, influencing the quality, functionality, and sustainability of built environments. By harnessing the power of natural light, architects can create spaces that promote well-being, enhance visual comfort, and minimise reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical heating and cooling systems.

As stewards of sustainable design, architects have a responsibility to prioritise daylighting strategies that optimise energy performance, enhance occupant comfort, and foster connections to the natural environment. By integrating daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing considerations into their design processes, architects can unlock the full potential of natural light to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.