Changes to approved document L and F and new approved document O
On 15 December 2021 the government announced changes to the building regulations to help the UK deliver net zero. This includes a requirement for new homes to produce around 30% less CO2 than current standards, and a 27% reduction in emissions from other new buildings.
All new residential buildings, including homes, care homes, student accommodation and children’s homes, must also be designed to reduce overheating. Improvements to ventilation are also being introduced to support the safety of residents in newly-built homes and to prevent the spread of airborne viruses in new non-residential buildings.
The changes follow a public consultation and will come into effect from 15 June 2022, paving the way for the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025, which will mean all future homes are net zero ready and will not need retrofitting.
Alongside amendments to the Building Regulations, 5 new Approved Documents were published:
- Approved Document L, volume 1: dwellings
- Approved Document L, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings
- Approved Document F, volume 1: dwellings
- Approved Document F, volume 2: buildings other than dwellings
- Approved Document O covering overheating
Transitional arrangements are in place which mean that if a building notice, initial notice, or full plans for building work are submitted to a local authority before 15 June 2022, then provided the building work commences by 15 June 2023, work on that building can continue under the previous standards.
Housing Minister Eddie Hughes said: “The changes will significantly improve the energy efficiency of the buildings where we live, work and spend our free time and are an important step on our country’s journey towards a cleaner, greener built environment.”
Ref https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-homes-to-produce-nearly-a-third-less-carbon
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 15 June 2022 changes to Approved Documents.
- Approved Document O.
- Approved documents.
- Approved inspector.
- Building control bodies.
- Building Regulations exemptions.
- Building Regulations.
- Competent person schemes.
- Licensing.
- Planning permission.
- Statutory approvals.
- Statutory authorities.
- The Building Act.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.