Nearly Zero Energy Requirements Extended to All New Buildings

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22 February 2021 | Updated 25 February 2021

A circular letter has been published by the UK Government to explain the minimal energy requirements in new buildings, that have been extended from the public to private sector, applying to all construction since the end of 2020.

The document was first published on 14 January 2019, outlining the implementation of requirements for new public builds to meet Regulation 25B of the Building Regulations 2010, which sets out that all new public buildings should be nearly zero energy buildings. This was updated on 15 February to include that all other building construction plans must meet the details of Regulation 25B in 2021 and for the foreseeable future.

Considering the New Rules

Compliance with the 25B requirement is achieved by both:

1. Meeting the Target Emission Rate required under Regulation 26
2. Undertaking an analysis of the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of using high-efficiency alternative systems, which include decentralised energy supply systems based on energy from renewable sources and taking this analysis into account as required by Regulation 25A

The letter also notes that energy efficiency standards are under review, so the specifics of this are subject to change, in order to improve sustainability commitment moving forwards. Further explanation of how to comply with the points above is linked in the letter for clarification. 

Other recent examples of government backed projects and legislation to tackle the climate emergency and encourage sustainable development includes six projects across the UK that in January received a share of £8 million in funding, as part of a drive to create the world’s first net zero emissions industrial zone by 2040. £213 million has also been invested in UK science facilities – the hope is that this will drive forward exceptional research that will help the UK respond to major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Picture: a building with solar panels on the roof and grounds still under development.

Article written by Bailey Sparkes | Published 22 February 2021

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