Programme of work
Building Regulations (NI) 2000
A public consultation exercise proposing amendments to Part D (Structure) and to Part J (solid waste in buildings) was undertaken in 2008. The responses to that consultation raised matters that required further investigation. It is anticipated that amendment regulations will be made mid 2009.
Building Regulations (NI) Order 1979
An amendment to the Building Regulations (NI) Order 1979 (the Building Regulations (Amendment) Bill) has now progressed through the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Following Royal Assent to the Building Regulations (Amendment) Bill, a programme of work will be commenced to change the Building Regulations from regulations supported by deemed-to-satisfy provisions to regulations supported by guidance.
Future workload
A review of the current technical and procedural requirements of the Building Regulations is underway. the outcome of this revew will inform any decision to introduce a technical uplift to a number of Parts in the process of moving to guidance based regulations.
Previous amendments to the Building Regulations
The last amendments to the Building Regulations (NI) 2000 were:
- The Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 made on 31 August 2006; and
- The Building (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 made on 9 November 2006.
Both of which came into operation on 30 November 2006.
The principal changes were:
Part F – Conservation of fuel and power
Part F was replaced. New regulations to raise energy performance standards to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 40% on previous standards were introduced. Compliance will be measured against an overall emissions target - a "Whole Building Approach" based on the calculated energy performance of buildings using defined national calculation methodologies.
The inclusion of low or zero carbon energy sources in all new buildings is encouraged and facilitated where this is technically, environmentally and economically feasible.
For the first time, buildings over 1000 m2 undergoing major refurbishment have to be upgraded to comply with the energy performance requirements.
References to the deemed-to-satisfy documents for Part F were updated and new Technical Booklets F1 and F2 in support of the revised requirements were published.
A requirement for the production and display of an Energy Rating Notice (ERN) for all new dwellings was introduced.
Note - in due course the Energy Rating Notice will be replaced by an Energy Performance Certificate as required by the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (please see EPB Regulations and Building Regulations).
Part L – Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Part L was replaced an renamed "Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems" to become more inclusive of solid fuel, oil and gas-fired appliances and the storage of their associated fuel.
New regulations for the provision of information, the protection of liquid fuel storage tanks and the protection against pollution were introduced.
References to the deemed-to-satisfy documents for Part L were updated and a new Technical Booklet L in support of the revised requirements was published.
Part R – Access to and use of buildings
Although the amendment was only in relation to buildings other than dwellings, Part R was replaced in total and renamed "Access to and use of buidlings".
New regulations were introduced for access to and within buildings, to extensions and for sanitary accommodation in extensions.
References to the deemed-to-satisfy documents for Part R were updated and a new Technical Booklet R in support of the revised requirements was published.
Part H – Stairs, ramps, guarding and protection from impact
Part G – Glazing
As a result of amendments to Part R, references to the deemed-to-satisfy documents for Parts H and G were updated. Amendments to Technical Booklets H and G were made in an amendment leaflet AMD3.
Part A – Application and interpretation
As a result of the technical amendments to Part F, L and R, consequential amendments were made to Part A.
Amendment No. 2
Amendment No. 2 was made to further clarify the Department's intent in relation to the application of consequential improvements as required by the amendment to Part F (Conservation of fuel and power) and to Part L (Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems).
Parts B – Materials and workmanship and Part V - Glazing
Minor amendments were made to Parts B and V.
Schedule 5 Tables
New tables were substituted for Tables F, H, L, R and V of Schedule 5 to take account of updated deemed-to-satisfy references. Minor amendments were also made to Table E of Schedule 5.
Please note - copies of the Statutory Rule, associated Technical Booklets F1, F2, H, L and R and Amendment Booklet AMD3 are available from the Stationery Office and online at the Technical Booklets page of this site and also at www.opsi.gov.uk
