Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L, Volume 2 — Buildings other than dwellings

O N L I N E V E R S I O N 0.13 Work to a building in paragraph 0.12 must comply with the energy efficiency requirements where this would not unacceptably alter the building’s character or appearance. The work should comply with standards in this approved document to the extent that it is reasonably practicable. Historic and traditional buildings 0.14 The energy efficiency of historic and traditional buildings should be improved only if doing so will not cause long-term deterioration of the building’s fabric or fittings. In particular, this applies to historic and traditional buildings with a vapour permeable construction that both absorbs moisture and readily allow moisture to evaporate. Examples include those built with wattle and daub, cob or stone and constructions using lime render or mortar. 0.15 New extensions to historic or traditional buildings should comply fully with the energy efficiency standards in this approved document unless there is a need to match the external appearance or character of the extension to that of the host building. The work should comply with standards in this approved document to the extent that it is reasonably practicable. 0.16 In determining whether full energy efficiency improvements should be made, the building control body should consider the advice of the local authority’s conservation officer. 0.17 Additional guidance is available in Historic England’s Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings: Application of Part L of the Building Regulations to Historic and Traditionally Constructed Buildings. Exemptions for conservatories and porches 0.18 Where a building is extended by adding a conservatory or porch, the work is exempt from the energy efficiency requirements, under regulation 21 of the Building Regulations, if all of the following apply. a. The extension is at ground level. b. The floor area of the extension does not exceed 30m2. c. The glazing complies with Part K of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations. d. Any wall, door or window that separates the extension from the building has been retained or, if removed, replaced with a wall, door or window. NOTE: Replacement walls, windows and doors should meet the requirement in regulation 23(2). See Section 10. e. The heating system of the building is not extended into the conservatory or porch. Exemptions for covered areas 0.19 Where a building is extended by adding a carport that is open on at least two sides, a covered yard, covered walkway or covered driveway, the work is exempt from the energy efficiency requirements if both of the following apply. a. The extension is at ground level. b. The floor area of the extension does not exceed 30m2. Live/work units 0.20 A building that contains both living accommodation and space for commercial purposes (e.g. for a workshop or office) should be treated as a dwelling if the commercial part can be reverted to domestic use. Guidance for dwellings can be found in Approved Document L, Volume 1: Dwellings. 0.21 The commercial part of a building can be reverted to domestic use if all of the following apply. a. There is direct access between the commercial space and the living accommodation. 4 Approved Document L Volume 2, 2021 edition Building Regulations 2010 O N L I N E V E R S I O N