In December 2021, the government unveiled it would be ‘uplifting’ the energy-efficiency standards for buildings in England. On 15 June 2022, Part L of the Building Regulations 2010 came into effect.
These approved documents set standards for energy performance in both new and existing buildings as part of the government’s efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel and power consumption.
The updated Part L regulations will impact almost all construction projects in the UK in the coming months. So, what do contractors and building project managers need to know about the new rules — and where do lighting controls come in?
What are the Part L regulations?
The approved building regulations documents cover various areas — from fire safety to hygiene. They include a series of manuals, ranging from Part A to Part S, that provide detailed guidance on every element of building safety, quality and sustainability.
Part L is split into several documents covering different areas. Previously, the guidance was separated into four sections:
- Part L1A: New dwellings.
- Part L1B: Existing dwellings.
- Part L2A: New buildings other than dwellings.
- Part L2B: Existing buildings other than dwellings.
The amended documents have replaced these four parts with the two approved volumes now in force. Volume one covers dwellings, and volume two covers buildings other than dwellings. The main focus of these amended guidebooks is making new constructions more sustainable, including information on limiting heat gains and losses, air permeability and pressure testing, boiler productivity, insulation regulations, hot water storage techniques and lighting.
Requirements L1 and L2 of Part L cover the conservation of fuel and power and on-site electricity generation. Each document details the obligations for various building and renovation projects, as well as the responsibility of contractors and building managers to ensure the energy efficiency of each structure remains compliant.
These updated building regulations will affect domestic and non-domestic buildings and new and existing homes. According to the rules, all non-domestic new builds must produce 27% less carbon dioxide emissions than enforced by 2013 standards.
As such, for anyone involved in the construction, expansion or development of offices, universities, schools or any other commercial setting, it is vital to understand the impact these new rules will have.
What role do lighting controls play?
Building legislation like the Part L regulations is becoming increasingly focused on enhancing safety and mitigating carbon emissions as we head swiftly towards net-zero targets.
The Carbon Trust states that lighting accounts for around 20% of the electricity used in the UK. This figure rises significantly in office buildings, hotels and other commercial or architectural lighting applications. So, it is no wonder these updated building regulations now include guidance for lighting controls.
The Part L instructions aim to improve luminous efficacy — the measure of how well a light source produces visible light. Though high efficacy lighting was part of the previous regulations, there was no specific inclusion of lighting controls. Now, for the first time, lighting controls are part of compliance with building energy regulations.
Part six of volume two of Approved Document L outlines the following guidance:
- 62 Lighting controls in new and existing buildings should follow the guidance in the Building Research Establishment’s Digest 498.
- 63 Unoccupied spaces should have automatic controls to turn the general lighting off when the area is not in use (e.g. through presence detection). Occupied areas should have automatic controls if suitable for the use of the space.
- 64 General lighting in occupied spaces should have daylight controls (e.g. photo-switching and dimming) for parts of the area that are likely to receive high levels of natural light.
According to the updated regulations, general lighting should have an average efficacy of 95 luminaire lumens per circuit watt; display lighting should have an average light source efficacy of 80 light source lumens per circuit watt. General and display lighting should also be metred with a kWh metre for each circuit or through integrated lighting controls or management systems.
How are we creating a greener future?
Individuals, governments and global businesses are coming together to tackle climate change. As a result, lighting controls will eventually become the norm in all buildings — either through retrofitting or construction.
Innovative, best-in-class lighting control solutions such as TheisCraft’s commission-free Multiload Spectrum suite have the capability to go beyond simply switching to efficient LEDs. Research has consistently proven that lighting systems generate significant energy savings in a range of applications, including hotels, offices and classrooms, through occupancy sensors, multilevel switching, dimming and daylighting harvesting.
With the latest lighting technology, building managers can ensure compliance with building regulations and enjoy reduced overhead costs, improved operational efficiency and enhanced mood-setting — all whilst mitigating the effects of global warming.
If you would like to speak to us about our intelligent lighting control systems for commercial buildings, contact us today at 01252 560 800 or email info@theiscraft.co.uk