In the years up to 2000,the reduction of GHG emissions became an important objective of the EU.The most significant Greenhouse Gas is CO2.Almost half of energy related CO2 emissions comes from buildings.EU research indicated that CO2 emissions from buildings could be reduced by 22% through Energy Efficiency.
In 2000,the EU Commisions Action Plan on Energy Efficiency identified the need for the introduction of specific measures in the building sector.
In response the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive(EPBD) was published in 2001 and was adopted by the European Parliament in December 2002.The directive becane European Law in January 2003.
The Directive’s main objectives are to promote:
1.Improved energy performance of buildings within the EU
2.The convergance of building energy standards toward those of member states ehich already have ambitious levels.
In Ireland the Building Control Bill 2005 made Building Energy Ratings mandatory for buildings when let or sold and the Building Regulations 2005(S.I. 873 of 2005) provided for the introduction of a methodology for building energy performance assessment.
Part L to the regulations has since been amended three times(2005,2007 & 2011) to incorporate higher energy performance and reduced CO2 emissions.
These amendments are also geared towards moving Ireland towards achieving their Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency targets by 2020.
NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY published in Oct 2000 provided a framework for action to reduce Ireland’s GHG emissions.
EU has an overall reduction target of 8% above 1990 levels by 2020
Ireland’s first target under commitment to Kyoto Protocol was to limit GHG emissions to 13% above 1990 levels by 2012.
National Development Plan 2007-2013 provided investment for
Renewable Energy Measure.
Energy Efficiency Measures.
Integration and Innovation Measures.
NREAP(an obligation on Ireland under EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009) sets out how Ireland will meet our 2020 targets.This commits Ireland to a 16% share of Renewable Energy in overall consumption and a 20% efficiency target by 2020.
This is based on achieving
1.40% share of Electricity by Renewable Energy(RES-E 40%.)
2.12% share of energy for heating(RES-H 12%)
3.10% share of Transport energy by Renewable sources(RES-T 10%)
The National Climate Change Strategy also called for tightening up of Part L of the Building Regulations in 2005 and the changes to Part L in both 2007 and 2011 outlined below reflect this.
NOTE:National Climate Change Strategy had called for a further improvement of 60% in Residential Building Thermal Performance over 2005 standards to assist in Ireland meeting its Renewable Energy commitment targets. The table below itemises the main consequences for the guidance in TGD-L arising from the above sequence of changes to Building Regulations Part L
ELEMENT | 1997 | 2002 | 2005 | 2007 | 2011 | Comments |
| 01/07/98 | 01/01/2003 | 01/07/2006 | 01/07/2008 | 1/12/2011 |
|
Roof at ceiling | 0.25 | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.16 |
|
Roof at Rafters | 0.25 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.16 |
|
Flat Roof | 0.25 | 0.22 | 0.22 | 0.22 | 0.20 |
|
Walls | 0.45 | 0.27 | 0.27 | 0.27 | 0.21 |
|
Ground Floor | 0.45 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25(0.15UH) | 0.21(0.15UH) |
|
Other Floors | 0.45 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.21 |
|
Doors/Windows | 3.3 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.00 | 1.6 |
|
Operative Date |
| 01/01/03 | 01/07/06 | 01/07/08 | 01/12/11 |
|
Boiler Efcy | NG | NG | NG | Min86% | Min90% |
|
RE Source |
|
|
| 10kWhHtg. 4kWh Elec. | 10kWhHtg 4kWhElec. | See Note* |
Air Permeability/ Tightness |
|
|
| 10m3/h/m2 | 7m3/h/m2 5m3 withMV | Testing Guidance In 2011 |
Heating Controls |
| Time/Temp Interlock | Time/Temp Interlock | Time/Temp Interlock | Time/Temp Interlock |
|
Primary Energy &CO2 |
|
| DEAP Included | EPC,CPC Y RE Incl. | **See Note
|
|
*Calculation Methodology for CHP energy saving contribution included in TGD-L 2011.Part L 2011 also includes:
1.Suggested qualifications for designers and installers of RE systems.
2.References to supporting compliance documentation for Domestic Hot Water Systems and for Solar Panels
**DEAP methodology described.
MPEPC reduced from O.6(2007) to 0.4.
MPCPC reduced from 0.69(2007) to 0.46
PART L amendment 2011--S.I. 259 of 2011 applies to work commenced after 1/12/2011.
Part L 2008 ceases to apply from 1/12/2011.
Part L 2008 may be used where Planning Permission had been sought before 30/11/2011 and substantial work(external walls) had been completed by 30/11/2013.