Architect and construction worker standing in large building interior
Architect and construction worker standing in large building interior

IoT Technology Helps Businesses Comply to the Latest Change in Building Regulations

14 November 2022

The UK government has introduced a range of changes to the Building Regulations, which came into force 15 June 2022 (with a one-year transition period to allow for planning applications underway). These changes will see interim uplifts to Part L and Part F and the introduction of Part O.

But what does this mean for the built environment?

According to the Part L changes, non-domestic buildings must achieve an average of 27% reduction in CO2, which is relative to 2013 standards. While new non-domestic buildings now require a building automation and control system if they include a heating or air-conditioning system of 180kW or over. Plus, all space heating and hot water boiler installations in existing non-domestic buildings must now have controls to improve the effective efficiency of the system.

The changes to Part F standards, for non-domestic buildings, focus on internal air quality (IAQ) monitoring to manage the transmission of infection via aerosols; trickle ventilators will be recommended as well as a requirement to install CO2 monitors in offices and specifically in ‘high risk’ rooms where there may be a risk of airborne infection.

While these changes to the regulations may, at first, appear complex to implement they can both be solved with the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The CODA technology brings together IoT and analytics that can advise and inform businesses of solutions and changes that will aid their journey towards building regulations compliance and decarbonisation. By tapping into IoT support, building operators and owners can comply and further manage and maintain the property and assets. IoT also goes further than ‘just’ compliance, it can help commercial real estate reduce carbon emissions and work towards NetZero 2050.

How can CODA technology support your business in managing the Building Regulation changes?

  • CODA can identify energy consumption anomalies to establish opportunities to reduce consumption and cost.
  • CODA can help building owners and operators go further in the route to decarbonise the built environment – helping the built environment decarbonise at the rate required to meet NetZero 2050 targets.
  • CODA helps businesses comply with part F by providing IAQ monitoring and delivering insights on ventilation performance and operation. It can also control mechanical ventilation systems according to the requirements of part F to ensure internal air quality and energy efficiency. CODA also allows maintenance teams to identify inefficiencies in operation and for the betterment of the building occupiers, keeping Co2 levels in check and ensuring sufficient ventilation to keep air quality safe for the occupiers.
  • CODA enables businesses to conform with part L by delivering accurate metering and controls. It can monitor the energy consumption of the building itself, but also (by connecting sub-meters to distribution boards) it can achieve more granular data on asset performance and operational energy consumption.

While some may critique that the new legislation doesn’t go far enough, IoT picks up the slack where the legislation isn’t hitting the mark and ensures that businesses can both comply and future proof their assets. Commercial properties that utilise the latest in IoT building controls to meet regulations will also be going a considerable step further in reducing energy consumption and costs to decarbonise commercial properties.

Although these Building Regulation changes present some challenges to the management and compliance of buildings; it is essential to remember that without evolving regulation of actual energy use, the built environment will not decarbonise at the rate required to meet the demands of NetZero 2050.

For further information please contact the team on email: info@codacloud.io