BY MICHAEL BRESLIN
A seminar held in the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen this week could have a far-reaching impact on increasing awareness within the house building trade and among potential house purchasers of the need to reduce energy loss.
It was called to study far-reaching new Building Regulations which came into force in Northern Ireland last November, and they include provisions to cut energy emissions from all new or altered buildings.
The seminar was organised by the Building Control Department of Fermanagh District Council whose Director, Desi Reid was among the speakers. Among the audience were agents, contractors and providers.
They heard that energy use associated with buildings in the UK accounts for nearly half of all CO2 emissions. As part of the emended regulations, tests have to be carried out on new buildings to determine how energy efficient they are by checking for leaks (air tightness) from gaps and cracks in floors, walls, and around windows and doors.
Poorly finished windows and doors and inferior quality of work are the most common causes of air leaks in buildings. These air-leakage paths `aren't always visible and are often obscured by internal finishes. The air tightness test is so sensitive it can pinpoint problem areas.
Desi Reid is a firm advocate of the message: "New build has a critical role to play in reducing emissions", he stated. "Developers are also taking this seriously because they recognise that proving their green credentials makes good business sense. They will be using air tightness certificates as a marketing tool to sell their properties to energy-conscious buyers".
The amended building regulations also require calculations to be submitted to Building Control, demonstrating the energy performance of proposed buildings. These calculations take into consideration - floor areas/volume/form of ventilation/insulation qualities for walls, floors, windows, doors, roofs/type of heating/controls on heating/lighting/type of alternative energy sources, etc.
Minimum efficiencies are also required for
* oil boilers 86 per cent
* range cookers 75 per cent where they are used as the primary heat source.
The amended Building Regulations also now include a requirement that new oil tanks for domestic properties be 'bunded' to prevent pollution from oil spills, and there are also major amendments to the regulations relating to access to and the use of buildings.
In light of these major changes in the Building Regulations, it is essential that those having building work carried out ensure their agents have incorporated all the requirements of the latest Building Regulations in their proposals.
