CPD Specifier May 2015 issue September 2015 | Page 23

Roofing

Optimise
Energy Efficiency Standards

Environmental issues influence the construction
industry at every stage of the supply chain with
building consuming almost half of the energy
used in the developed world. As government
legislation and Building Regulations become
more stringent with every update, the need for
more sustainable approaches to building design
is influencing the clear drive towards the design,
construction and delivery of more energy
efficient buildings.
Part L of the Building Regulations sets the
levels of thermal insulation required for both
new builds and refurbishments. Expressed as a
U-value, this required standard will depend on
the location, type of building and the application.
For flat roofs, this varies from 0.11W/m2K in new
builds to 0.18W/m2K in refurbishments - with the
typical requirements for a balcony or terrace of
0.15W/m2K.
As well as meeting the thermal performance
requirements of Building Regulations, designers
must also ensure that balconies and terraces
comply with Approved Document M: Access
to and Use of Buildings. Approved Document
M details the requirements that there most be
a smooth transition from the internal space
onto the terrace without any step or change in
floor height. It states that: ‘People, regardless
of disability, age or gender, should be able to
gain access to buildings and gain access within
buildings and use their facilities, both as visitors
and