Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The Association for the Conservation of Energy has written an open letter to the Government urging it to implement the long-promised changes to part L of the Building Regulations.
ACE director Andrew Warren writes to the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Rt Hon Don Foster MP, Minister for Building Regulations.
He says: “You have already announced your decision not to introduce a requirement for consequential improvements when homes are extended. Now the long-awaited and much promised changes to Part L regarding energy standards for new buildings are being delayed – with the impression that these will not be introduced or will be watered down.
“If this occurs, the effect on this industry will be severe and damaging.”
The letter quotes agreement from several high-profile industry figures.
John Sinfield, managing director Knauf Insulation Northern Europe: “The expected amendments to Part L for new build and refurbishment homes offers a real opportunity to increase investment as well as securing job opportunities and future proofing the UK’s homes against fuel poverty…With no Government certainty for the industry, the abandoned roadmap to zero carbon represents a significant wasted investment for the energy efficiency sector.”
David Robson, managing director InstaGroup: ” This decision will further damage a fragile industry and result in further job losses and will lead to less investment in this industry.”
Alex McLeod, chief executive, Superglass Insulation: “The timetable for implementation of Part L timetable, including a 44% improvement on 2006 standards in the 2013 regulations is critical to investor confidence.”
Nick Hunt, UK sales director Honeywell Control Systems: “Small companies (that) have invested time and effort in keeping up to date should not be penalised. Nor should their customers – consumers- be disadvantaged, as they continue to be sold products that may not have the energy efficiency benefits that are included in modern heating controls.”
