As we leave the January blues behind us and move onward through the year, we’re looking to brighter horizons and, while there has been an sense of pessimism across the nation of late, things are certainly looking up. Last month, data from Glenigan – a market leader in the field of construction intelligence – revealed that construction’s volume output reached pre-pandemic levels, increasing to 3.5%, adjusting October’s 1.7% decline. With activity on the rise, Building Regulation amendments coming into effect – namely Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) – and pushing sector pledges from last year’s COP26, there’s much to discuss.

This month’s issue starts with the recent changes to Building Regulations Part F and Part L. On page 20, Andy Swift, Sales and Operations Manager for Iso-Chemie, examines how the changes to Part L will see housebuilders look for alternative ways to improve airtightness and energy ratings within properties. In this article, Andy explains why changes to Part L must be seen as a step in the right direction for the fenestration sector. Meanwhile, on page 24, Ian Rogers, Sales Director at Gilberts (Blackpool), explains how further amendments to Document L focus on calculating building energy rates and covers key points in the revisions for Document F. Here, he explains how natural ventilation ticks all the boxes.

Last but by no means least, Tim Reid, Customer Relationship Director at the NHBC, revisits last year’s COP26 and explains how MMC will be a vital part of the puzzle in achieving the UK’s ambitious targets and meeting our COP26 obligations. Turn to page 28 for the full article

ON THE COVER:
The Wood Pavilion #1 spatial experiment is located near the river in the tourist area of Jiangxin Island in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu.

Rebecca Kemp
Editor

rebecca@redhutmedia.com