New buildings other than dwellings

Amendments to Part F of the Building Regulations in Northern Ireland, including the supporting Technical Booklet guidance, are expected to have a significant impact on glass and glazing products in residential and non-residential buildings.  High performance, energy efficient glass and windows are expected to play a crucial role in delivering nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) in Northern Ireland.

Following an earlier consultation, The Department of Finance (DoF) has published new Technical Booklet guidance to Part F2 (conservation of fuel and power in buildings other than dwellings) of the Building Regulations in Northern Ireland.  Applicable from 30th June 2022, the changes apply mainly to new buildings and are envisaged as an interim step towards nearly zero energy requirements for new buildings.

For new buildings other than dwellings, the Building carbon dioxide Emission Rate (BER) for the proposed building must not be greater than the Target carbon dioxide Emission Rate (TER) based on a notional building of the same size and shape. The new guidance requires new buildings other than dwellings to better the TER by at least 15%.

Limiting values have been set for each element of the building fabric, although achieving the TER may require better performance.  The new limiting U values for fenestration elements in new buildings other than dwellings are summarised in the table below.

There have been no changes to the requirements for existing buildings (including replacement windows and doors), which remain as follows:

Standards for controlled fittings
Fitting	Standard
Windows, roof windows and glazed rooflights	U value = 1.8 W/m2K
Alternative for windows in buildings domestic in character	Window Energy Rating (WER) band C
Pedestrian doors with >50% of internal face glazed	U value = 1.8 W/m2K
Curtain walling	Lesser of U value = 1.8 W/m2K or limited value (see note below)

Note - Limited value is dependent upon fraction of opening lights and glazed fraction

We manufacture a range of low emissivity glass for enhanced thermal insulation that can help windows and doors achieve the above U values.

Technical Bulletin F2 also includes a requirement to limit the effects of solar gains in summer.  Pilkington provides a range of solar control glass for reducing solar gains in buildings, while maintaining high levels of daylight.

To access the new Technical Booklets for Northern Ireland, please click here.