How has the update in Part L influenced architects, their design decisions and product selection?

In October 2010 Part L of the building regulations were updated, marking another step in the journey towards achieving zero carbon. The most significant change being an overall reduction of carbon emissions by 25%.

The inclusion of low energy lighting will contribute towards the new lower target whereas the use of electric secondary heating will no longer be assumed and significantly the insulating and sealing of cavity party walls no longer counts.

Further changes include new limiting U values, a revision on theTarget Emission Rate (TER), an increase in the volume of pressure testing by 50% and a change in the measurement of thermal bridging.

The code has also been updated with the 'performance gap' in mind, to ensure completed dwellings achieve their intended energy performance.

Another key development is the requirement of a 'design' submission, this together with the above changes will influence how the design team works and what products they choose for a project.

How are they using Part L and how is it influencing their design decisions; more importantly their product selection? So how have architects adapted?

We will interviewing 250 architects to answer these and other quesions.

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