Programme of work

In addition to the ongoing review of the Building Regulations (NI) Order 1979, we have commenced a review of the Building (Prescribed Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997, and operate a rolling programme of review for the other Parts of the Building Regulations (NI) 2000. The current programme of work is as follows:

Part E – Fire safety

An amendment to Part E – Fire Safety, of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 was made on 13 June 2005, and came into operation on 03 October 2005.

Part F – Conservation of fuel and power

The main elements of the amendment to Part F of the Building Regulations, which came into operation on 30 November 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 previous standards;
Encourage and facilitate the inclusion of Low or Zero Carbon Energy Sources in all new buildings where this is technically, environmentally and economically feasible;
Require the upgrading of energy performance in large existing buildings (over 1000m2) undergoing major refurbishment; and
Require the production and display of an Energy Rating Notice (ERN) for all new dwellings.

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.

Part H – Stairs, ramps, guarding and protection from impact

Amendments to Part H and Technical Booklet H will be consequential to the changes to Part R and Technical Booklet R.

Part L – Heat producing appliances and liquefied petroleum gas installations

An amendment to Part L and the provisions of Technical Booklet L came into operation on 30 November 2006. The new name for the Part is “Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems”. The regulations include for the updating of the requirements for Air supply, Discharge of products of combustion and Protection of the building and fuel storage. They also include provisions for European technical specifications for products that will co-exist with but will ultimately replace existing national standards and also update references to publications that are deemed-to-satisfy the regulations.

Part R – Access and facilities for disabled people

An amendment to Part R and Technical Booklet R came into operation on 30 November 2006. The Part is renamed as "Access to and use of buildings".

Part V – Glazing

Amendments to Part V and Technical Booklet V are consequential to the changes to Part R and Technical Booklet R.