New building regulations have come into force in Northern Ireland today, 30 June.

These new regulations will require designers to carry out additional checks in order to demonstrate the required level of compliance. All local architects, developers and those building private homes must comply with the new regulations.

The change to guidance documents has been issued by the Department of Finance, and is associated with Part F (Conservation of fuel and power) of the Building Regulations (NI) 2012.

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Head of Environment and Building Control at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Conor Canning, explained: "These updated regulations will mean that all those involved in the construction industry or private building works will have to carry out checks including meeting a reduced Target Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate (TER) as part of the Standard Assessment Procedure.

"There will also be more stringent building fabric requirements as well as air tightness testing and consideration of connections to the electricity grid to be taken into account.

"While it will mean more thorough checks are now necessary, these changes aim to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings, helping our environment and making our construction industry more sustainable. I would recommend that all those involved in the building trade make themselves aware of the new regulations to ensure they can comply in full as soon as possible."