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News Release from: Pilkington Building Products UK | Subject: Part L Proposals
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 16 September 2004
Pilkington Welcomes New Part L Proposals
Pilkington has welcomed the Government's latest proposed revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations, especially the introduction of Window Energy Ratings (WERs).
Now the wait is over, Pilkington has welcomed the Government's latest proposed revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations, especially the introduction of Window Energy Ratings (WERs), a fairer, more even-handed method of meeting legislative requirements Window Energy Ratings (WERs) combine all the different aspects affecting the energy performance of a window into a single number or Rating
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 11 Feb 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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These aspects are heat loss, solar gain and ventilation.
They are linked by an equation, which has been developed so that the Rating reflects the effect the window has on the energy consumption of a typical house throughout the year.
Compliance for replacement windows will be achieved if the window achieves a Rating of -40 (which is band E) or better.
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It will, however, still be possible to satisfy the requirement by the old U value route.
The proposal recommends that the current U value for replacement PVC-U and timber windows remain unchanged and the maximum U value of 2.0 will now apply to metal windows as well (compared to the current 2.2), with the option of complying through a centre pane U value of 1.2 staying the same.
However, it is the proposed WERs that are the real innovation.
The company is advising the industry to take note of some other significant innovations proposed in the amendments, particularly, the dropping of individual U value requirements in new build.
The only route to compliance would be to calculate the CO2 emissions for the proposed building as a whole and to show that these meet the prescribed level.
This means the Elemental and Target U value methods will no longer be permissible.
Somewhat paradoxically however, "backstop" U values will still be required.
For windows it will be 2.2.
This means housing developers will no longer be able to get away with using standard double glazing through use of the trade-off options that are currently open to them, and it will, in effect, require the use of low E glass, such as Pilkington K Glass, in every new development.
Rick Wilberforce, market development manager - Europe, Pilkington, comments: "It is possible that some or all of the proposed measures could change as a result of the consultation process, however, as things stand, they are extremely encouraging for those who wish to see a continuation of current window specification and practice.
The introduction of Window Energy Ratings and whole building CO2 targets rewards solar gains and makes the precise U value of an IGU less relevant." Additional proposals mean conservatories will now be covered under the obligations of Part L, although the glazing requirements will be exactly the same as for replacement windows.
The proposed requirement for extensions is for a maximum window U value of 1.8 or a Window Energy Rating of -30, however 'trading off' is permitted, which means that higher U value windows could also be acceptable.
Following a period of consultation, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will publish the new Part L in the summer of 2005.
It is expected to become law at the start of the following year.
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