What is the "current" version of Part L?

matsil

Can anyone tell me - what is the situation with the "2007" Part L as published at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,16557,en.pdf

In the 2006 version we had "Dwellings" and "Buildings other than Dwellings".......

So whats the story - will a revised part L in keeping with the uk Part L2(a) and Part L2(b) be forthcoming?

sydthebeat

this is from the document you linked to:

Transitional Arrangements
In general, this document applies to works to new
dwellings, where the work commences or takes
place, as the case may be, on or after 1 July 2008.
Insofar as the guidance contained therein relates to
dwellings, Technical Guidance Document L -
Conservation of Fuel and Energy (2006 Edition)
ceases to have effect from 1 July 2008.
However, the foregoing document may continue to
be used in the case of dwellings:
- where the work,material alteration or the change
of use commences or takes place, as the case may
be, on or before 30 June 2008, or
- where planning approval or permission has been
applied for on or before 30 June 2008, and
substantial work has been completed by 1 July
2009.
Where the works involve the installation of oil or gas
fired boilers in either a new or existing dwelling, the
relevant aspects of this guidance applies to works[/LEFT]
undertaken after the 31 March 2008.


Regarding any further updating,

The policy aim of achieving zero carbon homes in the future is stated for the first time in these new guidelines. It states that a review to improve the Regulations further (to 60 per cent above current levels) will be carried out in 2010.
The document states: "This revision of Part L represents a significant step towards the optimisation of the efficiency of energy use in new dwellings and the minimization of related CO2 emissions. It is intended that the standards specified here will be tightened further in 2010. The aim is to achieve zero carbon emissions associated with the operation and use of buildings, at the earliest date practicable." The guidelines also advise that new homes should be future-proofed. It states:"Insofar as the current amendment does not achieve this target, the design and construction of dwellings complying with this amendment to Part L, should be carried out with due regard to the likely need to upgrade the building fabric and fixed services in the future so as to reduce further carbon emissions associated with the operation and use of these dwellings."

matsil

thanks sydthebeat - much apprecaited.

I suppose what I was getting at was is this - in the so called "new" part L, issued in 2008 - there is no mention of "buildings other than dwellings". In the uk, it would seem they have as uch "split" the document - part 1 a&b catering fo dwellings new & old - and part 2 a&b for "non-dwellings".

we don't seem to have a "new" part L for the non-dwellings........

so..... are we left to assume that the "old" part L still applies - or are we to use the uk's new part L in the interum.

Eitherway - I think the new part L is a total cop-out..... with wholesale reference to SEI and CIBSE...... SEI and CIBSE are meant to base their codes on the regualtions - not the other way around...... and the repeated use of the phrase "in as far as is reasonable and practical" and "as efficient as possible"..... no definition, just broad open ended statements......

sydthebeat

i agree with the broad interpretations of the regs, something that we've argued on here before. however it must be realsied that the TGD part L is lik eany other TGD in that it is a guideline based on a regulation. The actual regulation is:
Building Regulations (Amendment)
Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 854 of 2007).

http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,16434,en.pdf

therefore the TGD is a suggestion on how to comply,

as far as non-dwellings are concerned, the 'old' part L applies

matsil

thanks sydthebeat - very much appreciated - excellent info.

so - I suppose we can expect a revision in the near future of the TGL document, along the lines of the uk....... but in the mean time, we can just plod along with the "old" part L.

Sound & thanks!