Introduction

Introduction

Introduction This document has been published by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government under article 7 of the Building Regulations 1997. It provides guidance in relation to the application of Part L of the Second Schedule to the Regulations as inserted by the Building Regulations (Part L Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 259 of 2011).

The guidance in this document applies to dwellings, both new and existing. The guidance in relation to the application of Part L contained in Technical Guidance Document L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy - Buildings other than Dwellings applies to all other new and existing buildings. The document should be read in conjunction with the Building Regulations 1997-2011 and other documents published under these Regulations. In general, Building Regulations apply to the construction of new buildings and to extensions and material alterations to existing buildings. In addition, certain Parts of the Regulations, including Part L, apply to existing buildings where a material change of use takes place.

Transitional arrangements

In general, this document applies to works to new dwellings, where the work commences or takes place, as the case may be, on or after 1 December 2011. Insofar as the guidance contained therein relates to dwellings, Technical Guidance Document L - Conservation of Fuel and Energy – Dwellings (2008 Edition) ceases to have effect from 1 December 2011.

However, the foregoing document may continue to be used in the case of dwellings: -

• where the work, material alteration or the change of use commences or takes place, as the case may be, on or before 30 November 2011,
  or

• where planning approval or permission has been applied for on or before 30 November 2011 and substantial work has been completed by 30 November 2013.

“Substantial work has been completed” means that the structure of the external walls has been erected.

The guidance

The materials, methods of construction, standards and other specifications (including technical specifications) that are referred to in this document are those which are likely to be suitable for the purposes of the Building Regulations (as amended). Where works are carried out in accordance with the guidance in this document, this will, prima facie, indicate compliance with Part L of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations.

However, the adoption of an approach other than that outlined in the guidance is not precluded provided that the relevant requirements of the Regulations are complied with. Those involved in the design and construction of a building may be required by the relevant building control authority to provide such evidence as is necessary to establish that the requirements of the Regulations are being complied with.

Technical specifications

Building Regulations are made for specific purposes, e.g. to provide, in relation to buildings, for the health, safety and welfare of persons, the conservation of energy and access for people with disabilities.

Technical specifications (including harmonised European Standards, European Technical Approvals, National Standards and Agrément Certificates) are relevant to the extent that they relate to these considerations.

Any reference to a technical specification is a reference to so much of the specification as is relevant in the context in which it arises. Technical specifications may also address other aspects not covered by the Regulations. A reference to a technical specification is to the latest edition (including any amendments, supplements or addenda)current at the date of publication of this Technical Guidance Document. However, if this version of the technical specification is subsequently revised or updated by the issuing body, the new version may be used as a source of guidance provided that it continues to address the relevant requirements of the Regulations. A list of other standards and publications that deal with matters relating to this Part of the Building Regulations is included at the end of this document. These standards and publications maybe used as a source of further information but do not form part of the guidance.

Materials and workmanship

Under Part D of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations, building work to which the Regulations apply must be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. Guidance in relation to compliance with Part D is contained in Technical Guidance Document D.

Interpretation

In this document, a reference to a section, paragraph, appendix or diagram is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to a section, paragraph, appendix or diagram, as the case may be, of this document. A reference to another Technical Guidance Document is a reference to the latest edition of a document published by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government under article 7 of the Building Regulations 1997 (as amended).

Diagrams are used in this document to illustrate particular aspects of construction - they may not show all the details of construction.