Regulated and unregulated energy consumption
![]() |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A building’s energy consumption varies considerably according to the building’s function. Its total operational energy usage comprises regulated and unregulated energy. BREEAM broadly defines regulated and unregulated energy consumption as follows:
[edit] Regulated energy
‘Regulated energy is building energy consumption resulting from the specification of controlled, fixed building services and fittings, including space heating and cooling, hot water, ventilation, fans, pumps and lighting. Such energy uses are inherent in the design of a building.’
Designers may not be able to predict how the services and fittings will be used but they can design them to be as energy efficient as possible.
NB The Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018 defines a regulated energy as; ‘…building energy consumption resulting from the specification of controlled, fixed building services and fittings, including space heating and cooling, hot water, ventilation and lighting.’
[edit] Unregulated energy
Unregulated energy is building energy consumption resulting from a system or process that is not ‘controlled’, ie energy consumption from systems in the building on which the Building Regulations do not impose a requirement. For example, this may include energy consumption from systems integral to the building and its operation, e.g. IT equipment, lifts, escalators, refrigeration systems, external lighting, ducted-fume cupboards, servers, printers, photocopiers, laptops, cooking, audio-visual equipment and other appliances.
Some buildings can have unregulated energy accounting for 50% of total energy use.
Unlike regulated energy use, unregulated energy consumption is usually only determined very late in the design process; it can also vary throughout the building lifecycle. This is because buildings may have different occupants or uses.
NB The Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018 defines a unregulated energy as; ‘…the energy consumption of the home that is not ‘controlled’, i.e. energy consumption from aspects of the home on which Building Regulations do not impose a requirement. For the purposes of the HQM assessment, this includes energy associated with lighting, appliances and cooking.’
[edit] Building regulations
Designers usually demonstrate compliance with Approved Document L of the building regulations as evidence of a building’s energy efficiency. But this does not fully reflect reality, as regulated energy is only a part of the total. Although they can usually predict regulated energy usage, it becomes more difficult with unregulated energy as predicting user behaviour can be problematic. This means that designers should not be held accountable for total operational energy usage as it is something they can only partly influence.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved document L.
- BREEAM.
- Building Regulations.
- Energy performance certificates.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
- New energy retrofit concept: ‘renovation trains’ for mass housing.
- Operational carbon.
- Performance gap.
- The code for sustainable homes.
[edit] External references
- Bonfield review.
- Energy Saving Trust.
- EU Energy Efficiency Directive.
- Part L (Conservation of fuel and power).
- Planning Portal – Energy Saving.
Featured articles and news
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.