Approved Document L is the name of a series of approved documents that outline guidance for designers and building developers. The series of 4 documents handles the energy efficiency requirements that you must consider for your build projects. With amendments made in 2016, it’s vital to stay up to date with the building regulations they set out to ensure that all your future build projects are designed with energy efficiency in mind.

The four documents that make up Approved Document L are as follows:

• Approved Document L1A: Conservation of fuel and power (For New Dwellings)
• Approved Document L1B: Conservation of fuel and power (For Existing Dwellings)
• Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power (For Any New Buildings That Aren’t Dwellings)
• Approved Document L2B: Conservation of fuel and power (Existing Buildings That Aren’t Dwellings)

Each document within details the procedures you should follow for the respective building type. Here’s a reduced breakdown of the contents within each document so you can quickly identify priority actions.

Approved Document L1A

• Both the C02 emissions and the Dwelling Fabric Energy Efficiency must meet their corresponding target rates.
• Before any work can be done, you must carry out an analysis to see if using a high efficiency alternative system is feasible in your build design. This includes energy systems like decentralised energy supply systems, heating pumps and cogeneration.
• Reasonable provisions must be set out to limit the levels of heat loss in the new dwelling.
• There should be no reasonable avoidable thermal bridge in insulation layers.

Approved Document L1B

• Thermal elements are outlined as a floor, roof or wall.
• You must make reasonable provisions for the conservation of fuel and power in a building.
• Historic or traditional building may be exempt from the regulations set out by Approved Document L.
• Ground level conservatories and porches may be exempt from Approved document L1B.
• A BCB or building control body should be notified before any work is done.

Approved Document L2A/B

• The minimum efficacy levels for lighting is now 60 lumens/circuit-watt.
• The agreed upon aggregate for the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is 9% when measured against the earlier 2010 standard. This can vary depending on your build or existing property.
• You must make reasonable provisions for the conservation of fuel and power in a building.
• Guidance should be sought by the English Heritage organisation and considered when determining the energy levels for any new building work in historic buildings.
• Again, a BCB or building control body should be notified before any work is done.

What Does Approved Document L Tell Me?

Approved Document L should be mandatory reading for anyone planning to start a new build or anyone who plans to build onto an existing building. It provides you with everything you need to know so you can ensure your build meets the conservation of fuel and power standards that are set out by the UK government.

When choosing suitable roofing for your build, Metrotile’s steel roofing is a sustainable option, which weighs seven times lighter than traditional roofing. Our tiles profiles are the go-to choice for sustainable building projects such as new builds or non-traditional buildings. To find out more, get in touch by calling 01249 658 514 or fill in our contact form.