The Part L Technical Guidance Documents-Buildings other than dwellings- that form the implementation of the Nearly Zero Energy Building requirement have now been published.
IGBC has urged action on this for the past 4 years to ensure that design teams can incorporate the requirements in time for the EU mandated deadline, and do not continue to use outdated standards.
The NZEB standard comes into force at the end of 2018 meaning that from that date public authorities may only purchase, lease or rent new buildings that meet the standard. All other new buildings will have to reach the same standard after end of 2020. Whilst there is a transitional period, it should mean immediate action for any building currently on the drawing board. The standard requires between 50% and 60% less energy than current standards and up to 20% to be met with renewables on site!
Further information on the consultation is available here. Submissions on the consultation end on 26th May, however IGBC will be gathering members input in advance of this so please send your comments to Pat Barry ([email protected] – 01 6815862) by the end of April.