The Department of Finance has introduced a consultation discussion document that focuses on various aspects of the Building Regulations, with a specific emphasis on energy efficiency requirements.

The document also explores other related areas, such as ventilation, managing overheating risks in dwellings, and the integration of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in buildings.

The potential changes discussed in the consultation would support the 2021 Energy Strategy – 'The Path to Net Zero Energy' which aims to significantly improve the energy and emissions performance of new homes and buildings.

-- Advertisement --

Options in the discussion document include potential next steps which could make conventional oil boilers unsuitable in most new builds, due to their emissions, and moves towards low-carbon heating solutions. The consultation also considers improved fabric standards and renewables in buildings, as well as reviewing wider issues, such as embodied carbon in materials and the assumptions used in building energy assessments.

The consultation period runs until 15 November 2023. Feedback is welcome and can be made via Citizen Space. The consultation can be accessed here.