Recent Consultations
Review of the Building Regulations (NI) Order 1979 – 2nd public consultation
The 1979 Order is the primary legislation for building regulations in Northern Ireland. It sets out the powers, duties, responsibilities and rights of the Department of Finance and Personnel, district councils and applicants in relation to building regulations matters, including giving the Department responsibility for writing regulations in the form of secondary, or subordinate, legislation. These regulations, which were not reviewed as part of this exercise, currently are the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 and the Building (Prescribed Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997. The consultation was divided into two parts; an examination of current provisions and proposals to take new powers. The closing date for responses was 04 November 2005.
Building Regulations (NI) 2000 Part F – Conservation of fuel and power
The main elements of the amendment to Part F of the Building Regulations, which will come into operation in June 2006, are to:
- Introduce a "Whole Building Approach" based on the calculated energy performance of buildings using defined national calculation methodologies;
- Set energy performance requirements that achieve a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 40% on current standards;
- "Introduce a requirement to consider the installation of alternative energy sources such as CHP and renewable energy systems in large buildings (over 1000m²);
- Require the upgrading of energy performance in large existing buildings (over 1000m²) undergoing major refurbishment; and
- "Require the production of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for all new buildings.
Building Regulations (NI) 2000 Part L:Heat producing appliances and liquefied petroleum gas installations
An amendment to Part L and the provisions of Technical Booklet L are being developed. The proposals will include for updated requirements for Air supply, Discharge of products of combustion, Protection of the building and fuel storage. It will also include provisions for European technical specifications for products that will co-exist with but will ultimately replace existing national standards and will also update references to publications that are deemed-to-satisfy the regulations.
Building Regulations (NI) 2000 Part R: Access and facilities for disabled people
A public consultation on an amendment to Part R and Technical Booklet R concluded on 8th July 2005.
