Dwelling emission rate DER
The Building Regulations set out requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction. Regulation 26 of the building regulations states that “Where a building is erected, it shall not exceed the target CO2 emission rate for the building…”,
The target CO2 emission rate (TER) sets a minimum allowable standard for the energy performance of a building and is defined by the annual CO2 emissions of a notional building of the same size and shape to the proposed building. TER is expressed in annual kg of CO2 per m2.
The Dwelling emission rate (DER) is the actual CO2 emission rate of self-contained dwellings and individual flats (excluding common areas) based on their actual specification.
The DER for the proposed building must not exceed the TER.
Before construction begins, a design stage calculation must be issued to the Building Control Body (BCB), setting out the TER, and DER for the proposed building, along with details of its proposed specification.
Within 5 days of the completion of the construction, a report must be issued to the Building Control Body (BCB), setting out the TER, and DER of the completed building, along with any changes that have been made to the specification, and an energy performance certificate (EPC). These ‘as-built’ calculations require that an air-permeability test is carried out to ensure that the building envelope has been constructed to a suitably high level of workmanship so that air (and with it, heat) will not ‘leak’ through the building fabric. In addition, the BCB is likely to require a commissioning notice.
The TER and DER can be calculated by following the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). This can be done by using a computer program approved for SAP calculations by BRE on behalf of the government.
NB 2013 changes to part L of the building regulations which came into force on 6 April 2014 introduced a Target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE) rate for dwellings to sit alongside the Target Emission Rate. The TFEE is the minimum energy performance requirement for a new dwelling. The Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency (DFEE) rate is the actual energy performance of the new dwelling. The DFEE must not exceed the TFEE. See Target fabric energy efficiency rate for more information.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air permeability testing.
- Approved documents.
- Building emission rate.
- Building regulations.
- Dwelling type.
- Improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
- National Calculation Method.
- Simplified Building Energy Model.
- Standard Assessment Procedure.
- Target emission rate.
- Target fabric energy efficiency rate.
[edit] External references
- Planning portal: Approved document L.
Featured articles and news
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.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.