Non-Domestic Future Homes Consultation

The continuing improvement to the Part L regulations is quickly approaching its ultimate goal of getting buildings in a position to achieve net zero carbon. Non-domestic buildings, including offices, schools, hospitals, and commercial spaces, are substantial consumers of energy. They contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and improving their energy performance is crucial for achieving broader environmental goals.

Unlike the domestic regulations that will be leaving SAP behind and moving to HEM, the non-domestic assessment will be keeping with SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) & DSM (Dynamic Simulation Model). The non-domestic regulations will also be keeping its NCM database (National Calculation Methodology) however, despite a general tightening of the CO2 & Primary energy targets nothing fundamentally changes.

What are the new targets going to be for the notional building?

As is typical with consultation they have provided two options

·        Option 1 (recommended): Solar PV panel coverage equivalent of 40% of the building’s foundation area for side-lit spaces and 75% for top-lit spaces.

·        Option 2 (not recommended): Solar PV panel coverage equivalent of 20% of foundation area for side-lit spaces and 40% for top-lit spaces.

As you can see, option 1 is what the consultation is recommending and will see solar panels covering 75% of the roof space when rooflights are present and 40% if only windows are present.

How can I heat my new non-domestic building?

A heat pump for side-lit spaces and radiant electric heating in top-lit spaces. If you want to connect to a heat network, standards equivalent to a 4th-generation heat network.

What are the limiting U-values going to be?

The limiting u-values for construction remain mainly the same with an improvement to the air test score and roof u-value