Robust Details and BBA offer Part L scheme

Robust Details and the BBA have announced they are to join forces to offer a quality-assured accredited detail scheme to deal with thermal bridges should such an approach be called up in regulations.

With the publishing of the Part L Approved Documents, Mike Freshney, chairman of Robust Details Limited (RDL) and Digby Harper, chairman of the BBA (British Board of Agrement) have now exchanged a letter of intent confirming this joint venture which will be seeking government approval for such a scheme at the earliest opportunity.

RDL and the BBA's partnership brings two sets of skills together; RDL's experience with Part E robust details, and the BBA's expertise in the assessment of system performance, thermal modelling and installation inspection.

The intention is that RDL and the BBA will seek Government approval for the scheme under the accredited construction details approach described in the new Approved Document L1A (Section 5.12 a), providing the homebuilding supply chain with a cost effective way of complying with the new Part L requirements.

Greg Cooper, CEO of the BBA explained the basis for assessment and sets out how the scheme will work: "The prototype scheme we have developed to date provides for the approval of details based upon the use of thermal modelling (supported if needed by testing) coupled with a risk based assessment of construction practicality".

"The scheme will be designed to allow and accept reliable external input at both the detail development and inspection stage".

"New properties that are registered under the scheme will be given a unique number and targeted sampling of RTD-registered sites during construction will enable compliance with the scheme to be monitored".

"Additionally, suppliers and manufacturers will have a transparent route to the approval of their products, systems and components".

The BBA and RDL will be presenting the scheme to industry stakeholders shortly, with a view to submitting our proposals for government approval this summer.

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