When it comes to constructing or extending a new commercial building, there are a plethora of regulations and guidelines that need to be adhered to in order to ensure compliance. One such regulation that is crucial for any commercial new build project is Part L compliance.
 
Part L of the Building Regulations in the UK pertains to the conservation of fuel and power in buildings. It sets out requirements for energy efficiency and sustainability in new constructions, as well as in existing buildings that undergo renovations. Part L compliance aims to reduce carbon emissions, decrease energy consumption, and promote the use of renewable energy sources in buildings.

All new buildings, domestic and commercial must comply with Part L of the building regulations. This new single method of compliance replaces the multiple compliance routes set out in 2002, but does however, allow some flexibility to the designer in choosing to improve combinations of the building fabric, plant efficiency and consideration of renewable schemes.

Building Regulations Part L2A & L2B ensures the proposed development/extension shall meet the minimum standards set by Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

For non-domestic buildings, compliance can be demonstrated using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculation tool or through active simulation using approved Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) software. As the names suggest,
SBEM is a simplified tool capable of assessing compliance only and cannot be used as a design tool due to these limitations, whereas the DSM method allows for designs to be assessed for in far more detail, and generally reports more accurate figures.

GreenFish Consulting are well versed in both compliance methodologies, utilising the DSM method where additional thermal modelling and building analysis services are required.