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.
- 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
It was the tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years, but to this day the exact construction techniques are a mystery.
Shortlist for the industry's most coveted award announced.
Government responds to Mark Farmer's review of industry, rejecting the call for a levy on clients.
Peter Hansford to examine what wider lessons can be learned from the fire.
Every project is subject to uncertainty. How can construction better understand uncertainty for performance improvement?
MAD Architects reveal their designs for a futuristic campus for electric car manufacturer.
Homebuyers could borrow more with better forecasting of energy bills, according to industry consortium's new report.
Read our introductory article on carbon capture and storage.
Have a look at Frank Gehry's Binoculars Building in Los Angeles.
BRE publish new Loss Prevention Standard seeking to minimise fire risk from ducting.
Beneficial infrastructure projects
How do we tell which infrastructure projects will work?
CIAT announce the establishment of a Working Group in light of Grenfell and call for contributions.
In 1900, 15% of global population lived in cities. Now it’s over 50%. Which is why we need ‘hydroinformatics’ to consume smarter.
Have a look at these competition-winning designs for a new residential development in Eindhoven.
Grenfell Tower articles updated daily