8th July 2022
There has been much going on in Parliament this week. Read on for a summary of certain topics you may have missed.
Updated Approved Document F1 – Ventilation
Building Regulation Approved Document F (AD F) has been updated for England and Wales. It concerns ventilation to maintain indoor air quality and is specific to ‘Existing Dwellings’ only. It came into effect in England on 15th June 2022, and will later come into effect in Wales on 23rd November 2022.
The equivalent areas for background ventilation in specific locations in an ‘Existing Dwellings’ has increased. These are as follows:
Notes
- Background ventilators are required in any replacement windows which are not wet rooms, if the dwelling has, or is planned to have continuous mechanical extract ventilation. The minimum equivalent area is 4000mm² in each habitable room.
- Additional background ventilation will not be required if the dwelling has, or plans to have continuous mechanical extract ventilation with heat recovery
- Additional requirements for specific scenarios include the addition of a “conservatory” or “wet room”.
- Approved Document F: Volume 1 applies to dwellings
- Approved Document F: Volume 2 applies to buildings other than dwellings
What are the potential implications?
- Increased number of ventilators
- Increased length of ventilators
- Property / window design specific with a requirement for a ventilator to be in the sash and the head
- The addition of window frame extensions to clear plaster lines, increased head rail size and/or a change of design
What if the existing design won’t be able to achieve regulation compliance?
- Alter the design so that it complies with regulation
- Specify additional vent-to-head (only one window within a wet room, two smaller vents required due to size of the window. Additional vent added to head, dependent on plaster lines a frame extender may be required)
- Specify over frame / glass vent
- Install vents to the size and quantity as is technically feasible to achieve as close to the requirements
Ofgem draft ECO4 guidance
Ofgem has published draft guidance; Draft Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: New Measures and Products (NMAP) V0.1 | Ofgem for stakeholders who want to know about applying for and delivering new measures and products under ECO4. The document is shared on a comment basis alongside its ECO4 Administration Consultation Part 2.
It seek views on their proposed format and administration of the NMAP routes on ECO4. Please see the Ofgem ECO4 Administration Consultation Part 2 for further information on the type of feedback Ofgem are seeking, and on how to respond to the consultation.
If you have any questions, please contact Andy Morrall, Senior Technical Policy Manager Email: ECO@ofgem.gov.uk
For more information click here.
Ofgem’s Engagement Event
Ofgem are keen to hear from industry about their proposed administration for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) 4 scheme as set out in their consultation which closes on 18th July 2022.
ECO4 intends to launch in summer 2022, to continue its support of low-income households to make their homes more energy efficient. ECO4 is intended to launch in summer 2022.
The event will provide an overview of Ofgem’s proposals as set out in the consultation. The event will be held on:
12th July 9:30am – 11:30am
For more information click here.
Energy Security Bill
With so much going on in Parliament this week it has been a challenge to keep up. However, on 6th June, the Energy Security Bill was introduced to Parliament. It aims to deliver a more affordable, cleaner and secure energy system.
The date to consult on the powers is expected later on this year, and we will keep you up-to-date. For more information please see the below factsheet:
NIA members looking to play a part in the drafting of consultation responses are invited to subscribe to our policy mailing list.
Subscribe by emailing fiona.chestnutt@gemserv.com
