15 June 2022 changes to Approved Documents

[edit] Introduction

Changes to the Building Regulations came into effect for England and Wales from 15 June 2022 with the publication of new Approved Documents:

• Approved Document F, volume 1: dwellings.
• Approved Document F, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings.
• Approved Document L, volume 1: dwellings.
• Approved Document L, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings.
• Approved Document O: Overheating
• Approved Document S, Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles.

The changes follow the Government’s response to the Future Homes Standard consultation and are part of the plan to move to net zero by 2050. These are intermediate changes, with a detailed technical consultation for the Future Buildings Standard due to begin in 2023, and further changes to the building regulations in 2025.

The effect of the changes include:

[edit] Existing homes:

• A new minimum standard for fabric efficiency.
• A requirement that new or replacement heating systems can accept low-carbon heating in the future.

[edit] New homes:

• A 30% cut in emissions.
• Measures to mitigate the risk of overheating, with limits to the amount of glazing. Methods of compliance include a simplified method, based on the size and orientation of glazing relative to the floor area, and a dynamic method based on risk and mitigation.
• Adoption of the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard, based on U-values, thermal bridging, external heat gain, and so on to measure energy efficiency.
• A maximum flow temperature of 55°C for new and replacement heating systems.
• Good practice specification for heat pumps.
• A requirement for charging points for electric vehicles.

[edit] Buildings other than dwellings:

• A 27% cut in emissions from new commercial buildings.
• New maximum U-values.
• Updated guidance on ventilation systems.

[edit] Transitional provisions

The new Approved Documents come into effect on 15 June 2022, but do not apply to works where an initial notice was registered before 15 June 2022, provided the work starts before 15 June 2023.

NB On 1 June 2022, changes to fire safety guidance and the building regulations were introduced to provide clearer fire safety rules for the design and construction of residential developments. The changes are intended to satisfy recommendations from Phase One of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and will strengthen the information available to fire and rescue services. For more information see: 2022 changes to fire safety guidance and building regulations.

A government briefing about some of the changes is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1057367/Circular_letter_Jan_2022.pdf

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• 2022 changes to fire safety guidance and building regulations.
• Approved document F.
• Approved document L.
• Approved document O.
• Approved document S.
• Approved documents.
• Building regulations.
• Carbon emissions.
• Changes to approved document L and new approved document O.
• Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard.
• Future Buildings Standard.
• Future Homes Standard.
• Net zero.