Revised Building Regulations Come Into Force On 01 Nov

Ireland's construction industry has been advised to prepare for revised building regulations that will apply to all new dwellings commencing construction from 01 November 2019.

The new regulations aim to make all new residential dwellings 70% more energy efficient than the performance requirements in 2005.

Earlier this year, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, T.D., signed into law amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations, giving effect to Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Regulations and Major Renovation Regulations. In conjunction with this, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Damien English, signed into law amendments to Part F of the Building Regulations, which relate to ventilation. The NZEB standard is achieved, in part, through improved air tightness in a building. New builds will require more effective ventilation systems to achieve the improved air tightness.

Commenting on the regulations, Minister English, said: "The amended building regulations will mean a future of more energy efficient homes. They will help lower people's energy bills, reduce the risk of fuel poverty and give people greater comfort in their homes. The new building regulations will place additional obligations on the sector. I would urge all in the sector, both economic operators and end users in the sector, to be prepared in advance of November 1st."

Minister English added: "Ireland has set an example internationally through its policies on energy efficiency in homes. International reports have shown this. These regulations build on the significant improvements in new builds' efficiency levels since 2007."

The Minister also spoke about the regulations' contribution to reducing Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions. "About forty per cent of Ireland's energy-related carbon emissions come from buildings. By making the next generation of houses and renovated houses more energy efficient, we can make a significant contribution in the national efforts to mitigate climate change."

(MH/CM)