Building Regulations: Part B and Part L Updates

The Building Regulations 2010 set minimum standards for design and construction. Architects must maintain current knowledge of all relevant Approved Documents.

Approved Document B — Fire Safety (2022 Update)

Key Changes:

• Prohibition on combustible cladding extended to residential buildings over 11 metres (previously 18 metres)
• Mandatory sprinkler systems in new residential buildings over 11 metres (previously 30 metres)
• Enhanced wayfinding and evacuation signage requirements
• New guidance on evacuation lifts and fire safety engineering

Practical Implications: The extended combustible materials prohibition from 11 metres significantly widens the range of mid-rise schemes affected.

Approved Document L — Conservation of Fuel and Power (2021 Update)

Dwellings (Volume 1):

• Approximately 31% improvement in CO2 emissions vs 2013 standards
• Primary energy rate introduced as a new performance metric
• Enhanced fabric efficiency targets

Non-Domestic Buildings (Volume 2):

• Approximately 27% improvement in energy efficiency
• Emphasis on low-carbon heating and cooling

Future Homes Standard

Expected by 2025, the Future Homes Standard will require new homes to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions, effectively requiring low-carbon heating and higher fabric efficiency as the default.