Builders and designers trading in Wales now benefit from new guidance released from the NHBC Foundation regarding the challenges of Part L.

The conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings (Part L), is a major challenge facing the house building industry, where house builders are more than ever focused on achieving energy efficiency.

Two new guides entitled ‘Part L 2014 - where to start: An introduction for house builders and designers’ are to be released by the NHBC Foundation, with one guide concentrating on masonry construction in Wales (NF64) and the other on timber frame construction in Wales (NF65).

There are also similar but separate guides on Part L 2013, England.

Since last year the Approved Documents for the conservation of fuel and power in Wales have changed from those required in England and the level of performance required has stepped up.

The new guides are poised at helping SME builders to differentiate the range of approaches that can be undertaken to ensure they comply with Part L.

This includes the types of floor, wall and roof constructions that can be specified.

“Many in the industry struggle to get to grips with the complexities of Part L and we hope these new, clear and simple guides help will help to build an understanding,” commented Neil Smith, Head of Research and Innovation at NHBC.

“Presented mainly as tables and construction details, this guidance should be of particular use to smaller builders operating in Wales who may not be as aware of the range of options available to them to satisfy Part L.”

The guides include information on thermal bridging and good practice details which show critical features of good design and construction.

Carl Sargeant AM, Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for Building Regulations, concluded: “The Welsh Government recognises the technical challenges that builders face in this area, which is why we welcome the National House Building Council’s move to publish new guidance on Part L in Wales.”

To read and download the guides, click here.