 |
13/01/2006 - Accreditation News - Part L Jan 06 |
Accreditations Newsletter #2 focuses on Part L of the recently revised building regulations and Secured by Design certificates.
Building Regulations Part L:
Document L is part of the Building Regulations for England and Wales regarding energy efficiency of buildings.
In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions the Government has targeted the reduction in carbon dioxide as a key factor. These gases are generated through energy consumption such as heating, lighting and the cooling of buildings. In accordance with the regulations, the building envelope will meet certain thermal performance (known as a U-value); this includes the window frame and glass.
Whether the project is New-build or Refurbishment, the regulations stipulate values for the window which must not be exceeded. Measurepd in W/m2K (Watts per square metre kelvins) the Duraflex Diamond suite can achieve as low as 1.4 W/m2k U-value using commercially viable double glazed units, although values of 1.7 / 1.8 at this moment tend to be the norm.
In recent months the method of measuring the thermal performance of the window has been reviewed. This revised method takes into account not only the thermal efficiency of the window (U value) but also the positive effect of solar gain through the glass (g value) and air performance of the window (L). This is known as the BFRC rating. This performance indicator is not only more accurate, but it also makes it easier for the consumer to identify.
The BFRC ratings, similar to the energy efficiency rating found on fridges and washing machines are identified on a colour coded scale (example see opposite) with ratings from A to G, with A being the most thermally efficient product. Alternative methods of proving compliance include specifying either the whole window U value or the glass centre-pane U value. The BFRC ratings are proving very popular and will no doubt become the standard in the near future.
Recent changes to the Building regulations that came into force in April of this year require a D grade for new windows in new extensions and E grade for replacement windows. New-build windows are included in the SAPS 2005 calculation process which will be carried out at the design stage by the house builder.
Secured by Design:
Secured by Design (SBD) is a
police initiative that is rapidly
becoming more recognised
within the industry. Originally SBD officials aimed to design-out crime within developments. The process is now an organisation able to certify suitable products. The system, for windows and doors is based on 2 fundamental requirements:
a) Product tested to BS 7950 for
widows and PAS 24 for doors
b) Are the tests & the co. part of a 3rd party accreditation scheme?
A contract specifying SBD as a requirement, is not always sufficient to assume all is ok if the products are covered by 7950 and/or PAS24. Contact with an SBD officer is required as the area may require more security improvements.
Obtaining an SBD certificate involves applying to the appropriate body that will check documents, if all is in order a certificate is released. All of this can be achieved in weeks rather than months.
The ongoing audits is sub-contracted to BBA, BSI etc. to ensure that the process controls are in place and operational. As with all 3rd party certification systems, any changes to materials or products must be agreed through the formal channels prior to introduction.
|
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
