Part L is a UK only requirement
Download the compliance guide here
As a builder or developer currently engaged in a construction project, it's important to be aware of the significant changes in compliance requirements that will come into effect with the updated Part L of the Building Regulations. The grace period ends in June 2023, and it's essential to ensure that you are fully prepared for the new regime by that time.
What is Part L?
Part L is a building regulation that applies to all new construction projects and any changes in the use of a dwelling or other buildings in England. This regulation sets the energy performance and carbon emissions standards for both new and existing buildings.
What is the purpose of Part L?
Part L primarily focuses on achieving two main objectives: reducing carbon emissions associated with the heating and lighting of new buildings and enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the building structure. The Future Homes Standard will take effect in 2025 and aims for reductions in carbon emissions of 70-80%. The updates are divided into four volumes and cover various construction types.
What are the consequences of not conforming to Part L?
Compliance with the new regulations is mandatory, and non-compliance may result in fines or delayed completion of projects. Failure to submit reports that include geotags of photographs taken at specific points in the construction process will result in the denial of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property. This, in turn, can render the property unsellable.
What do I need to do to be Part L Compliant?
Starting from June 13th 2023, builders and developers will be required to provide photographic evidence at every stage of construction, including foundations, roofing, and openings. The evidence must meet the standards outlined in the regulations for thermal continuity, quality of insulation, and airtightness. To comply with these regulations, photographs of specific points during the construction process must be taken, including close-up and wide-angle shots. These photographs must be geotagged with coordinates and compiled into a report.
The regulations require housebuilders and developers to have evidence of compliance for each dwelling rather than the site as a whole. Reports at the site level won’t pass the test.
Housebuilders and developers are responsible for submitting a new report to prove compliance with the regulations. This report – The Building Regulations England Part L (BREL) report – comes in two parts. The first is the design stage report, and the second is the ‘as built’ report. The building control body uses these reports to ensure the designs were actually built as approved.
Important prerequisite for Part L to work in Fonn
To ensure Part L functions properly in Fonn, it's crucial to follow these steps:
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Before uploading photos to Scope of Work items, make sure that you granted Fonn permission to track your location for geotagging.
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Go to your mobile settings, locate the Fonn app, and enable location access while using the app or allow it to always track your location:
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Failure to allow Fonn access to your location will result in non-geotagged images, making them non-compliant with Part L. If your location is not tracked, the photos will appear without geolocation, as illustrated below:
Download the compliance guide below to find more detailed information and understand the key points, what it means for everyone involved in construction, what you need to do to comply, and the potential benefits of implementing these changes in your organization.