Government must act if it is to reach net-zero carbon. CIBSE’s Julie Godefroy outlines how Part L 2020 and the Future Homes Standard should be amended
Category: Opinion
Loud and clear on noise control
Excessive noise from mechanical ventilation systems can have a detrimental effect on the comfort of building occupants, but Apex Acoustics’ Jack Harvie-Clark believes the proposed Approved Document F fails to address the issue
Turning insight out
The SLL’s guidance on exterior lighting ranges widely in application, from façades and public spaces to roads and workplaces, as Paul Ruffles explains
Digital evolution
How has the five-year plan to roll out BIM Level 2 across central government projects developed across the construction sector? Hywel Davies investigates
One step closer to net zero?
Government proposals for improving energy efficiency in buildings show signs of ambition, but regulations need modifications, says Julie Godefroy
Rewriting the rules for housing
Government is consulting on a number of building-related issues addressing safety and climate change, while the Queen’s Speech hints at future legislation supporting Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations, says Hywel Davies
Passivhaus rules
City of York Council is the latest local authority to strive for Passivhaus housing. Leda’s Jim Wild explains why the methodology is gaining traction
The fallacy of permitted development rights
While a raft of new policies have been announced, an existing one – PDRs – has led to failures in health, safety and sustainability, says Julie Godefroy
The policy clues
There has been a flurry of recommendations about the future for heating, cooling and energy efficiency in our buildings. Hywel Davies considers how they might influence the review of Parts L and F of the Building Regulations
Nearer to zero
With most of the 2050 building stock already in place, Hywel Davies considers what the net-zero carbon UK emissions target might mean in practice