Assent Building Control Ltd Technical Library
Approved Document A - Structure
2004 edition incorporating 2004 amendments
This part covers the loadings on a building, and the construction of the structural elements including th
e foundations, walls, floors, roofs and chimneys 
Approved Document B (Volume 1) - Fire safety - Dwellinghouses
2006 edition
This part is split into a number to sections to cover fire safety related matters within and around dwellinghouses.
Approved Document B (Volume 2) - Fire safety - Buildings other than dwellinghouses
2006 edition, amended 2007
This part is split into a number to sections to cover fire safety related matters within and around buildings other than dwellinghouses.
Approved Document C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
2004 edition
This part covers the clearance or treatment of unsuitable material, resistance to contaminants and sub-soil drainage.
Approved Document D - Toxic substances
1992 edition incorporating 2002 amendments
This document covers the use of insulating materials in cavity walls and the prevention of toxic fumes entering the building.
Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound
2003 edition incorporating 2004 amendments
This document covers sound insulation requirements in dwelling-houses, flats, rooms for residential use and schools.
Building Bulletin 93
Building Bulletin 93 aims to provide a regulatory framework for the
acoustic design of schools in support of the Building Regulations. Give
supporting advice and recommendations for planning and design of
schools and provide a comprehensive guide for architects, acousticians,
building control officers, building services engineers, clients, and
others involved in the design of new school buildings.
Approved Document F - Means of ventilation
2010 edition
This document covers means of ventilation within new dwellings, new buildings other than dwellings and existing buildings.
Approved Document G - Hygiene
2010 edition
This document will cover areas on cold water supply, water efficiency, hot water supply and systems, sanitary conveniences and washing facilities, bathrooms, and kitchens and food preparation areas.
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Approved Document H - Drainage and waste disposal
2002 edition
This document covers details of foul water drainage, both above and below ground, pipe sizes, protection of pipes, manholes and inspection chambers, rodding access, testing, etc. Waste water treatment systems, cesspools, rainwater drainage, building over public sewers, separate systems of drainage and storage provisions for rubbish and recycled waste.
Approved Document J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
2002 edition
This document covers the air supply, discharge of combustion products and protection of the building, for solid fuel, gas and oil appliances, along with the provision of information for heaths, fireplaces, flues and chimneys. Also included is the protection of liquid fuel storage tanks and bottles and protection against pollution from oil storage tanks and associated pipework.
Approved Document K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
1998 edition, amended 2000
This document covers protection from falling, collision and impact. This includes designing staircases, ladders, ramps, guarding and vehicle barriers in and around all types of buildings. There is also a requirement for protection from collision with opening windows by guarding and warning surfaces.
Approved Document L1A - Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
2010 edition
This document covers the use of fuel and power within new dwellings only. It introduces the new Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER) and the Dwelling CO2 Emission Rate (DER) to enable greater flexibility in design without comprising on energy efficiency. The document also covers lighting, solar gain, secondary heating and pressure testing.
Domestic heating compliance guide 2nd edition
This guide provides guidance on the means of complying with the requirements of Part L for conventional space heating systems and hot water systems in dwellings. It includes four self-contained fuel-based sections, each of which addresses all the requirements applicable to primary and secondary space heating and hot water technologies (gas-fired, oil-fired, electric and solid-fuel systems), and five specialist technology-specific sections which provide further guidance on the minimum provisions for specialised space heating and hot water technologies (community heating; under-floor heating; heat pumps; solar water heating; and micro-CHP units). This new edition includes the changes from the Corrigenda issued in December 2007 which affected several issues, including water hardness tables, replacement of hot water cylinders in existing gravity systems, minimum efficiencies of boilers, insulation of underfloor heating systems, and solid fuel appliance categories.
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Low or zero carbon energy sources: Strategic guide
Low and zero carbon (LZC) energy sources are increasingly being installed in buildings, for example: small-scale and micro-CHP
units, photo-voltaic panels and building-mounted wind generators. This
Strategic Guide is intended to support the inclusion of LZC energy
sources in Approved Document L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B.
Measuring air permeability of building envelopes
The increasing need for higher energy efficiency in buildings and the need to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations stringent targets means that airtightness has become a major performance issue. The procedures for measuring air leakage in buildings is explained in this document.
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BR 262 Thermal insulation: avoiding risksBR 262: Thermal insulation: avoiding risks
The guide discusses the more important technical risks associated with meeting the requirements of building regulations for thermal insulation. Technical risks are highlighted and these are followed by actions that could be taken to avoid the risk. In assessing risks for a particular building, consideration should be given to the environmental conditions likely to occur both inside and outside the building, and its expected life.
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BR 443: Conventions for U-value calculations
Calculation methods for the determination of U-values of building elements are used to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations. Where compliance is expressed in terms of whole-building performance, such as CO2 emissions, U-values obtained by the methods referred to in this document should be used for the relevant calculations by the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for dwellings or by the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) for other buildings.
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TM 36: Climate change and the indoor environment: impacts and adaptation
The primary purpose of this guide is to provide a single point reference for all compliance issues related to the treatment of pipework and ductwork insulation within the 2006 version of Approved Document L of the Building Regulations.
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CE129: Reducing overheating - a designer's guide
Overheating in a house will not only cause discomfort to the occupier
but - if it occurs regularly or over a sustained period - will lead to
pressure for the installation of mechanical cooling.In addition to the
initial cost and ongoing maintenance requirements of such systems there
will be an increase in the overall energy use of the property. This in
turn is likely to lead to higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions - at a time when there is a pressing need to reduce them.
Downloadable from www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business
GPG268: Energy efficient ventilation in dwellings - a guide for specifiers
This guide has been prepared to help architects, surveyors and
specifiers understand the issues associated with energy efficient
ventilation and the types of systems that are available to provide
satisfactory ventilation in dwellings.
downloadable from www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business
GIL20: Low energy domestic lighting
Many factors influence the adequacy and efficiency of lighting: this
guide is intended to help designers, builders, and installers make the
best use of energy efficient lighting and gain acceptance from
occupants. If this happens, it is likely to remain in place for years
and deliver continuing financial savings to the occupants while
reducing carbon dioxide emissions to the environment.
downloadable from www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business
Approved Document L1B - Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings
2010 edition
This document covers the use of fuel and power within existing dwellings, which also includes extensions and renovations. U-value standards for walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors and rooflights are shown. The document also covers fittings and services, such as windows, doors, heating and hot water systems, and lighting.
Domestic heating compliance guide
This guide identifies standards that meet the requirements for systems
in new build and those in existing buildings when work is being
undertaken. The 'Domestic heating compliance guide' covers a range of
frequently occurring situations but alternative means of achieving
compliance my be possible. The guide also refers to other publications
which include information on good practise for design and installation
over and above the minimum regulatory provision.
BR 262: Thermal insulation: avoiding risks
The guide discusses the more important technical risks associated with meeting the requirements of building regulations for thermal insulation. Technical risks are highlighted and these are followed by actions that could be taken to avoid the risk. In assessing risks for a particular building, consideration should be given to the environmental conditions likely to occur both inside and outside the building, and its expected life.
Purchase document from www.brebookshop.com
BR 443: Conventions for U-value calculations
Calculation methods for the determination of U-values of building elements are used to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations. Where compliance is expressed in terms of whole-building performance, such as CO2 emissions, U-values obtained by the methods referred to in this document should be used for the relevant calculations by the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for dwellings or by the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) for other buildings.
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This paper gives guidance on assessing the effects of thermal bridging at junctions and around openings in the external elements of buildings and how to assess their effect on the overall heat loss (or heat gain). It enables a satisfactory estimate of these heat transfers to be made for the purposes of carrying out building regulations compliance calculations. The guidance is primarily intended for junction and opening details that are not as recommended in Accredited construction details or MCRMA/EPIC guidance.
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SAP 2005: Standard assessment procedure for energy rating of dwellings
This manual describes the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure
(SAP) for assessing the energy performance of dwellings. The SAP rating
is based on the energy costs associated with space heating, water
heating, ventilation and lighting, less cost savings from energy
generation technologies. The method of calculating the energy
performance and the ratings is set out in the form of a worksheet,
accompanied by a series of tables. The method of calculating the energy
performance and the ratings is set out in the form of a worksheet,
accompanied by a series of tables.
CE66: Windows for new and existing housing
This guide is aimed at those involved in specifying energy efficient
windows for new and refurbishment projects. It is designed to help in
achieving best practice standards, outlining some of the technical
options available.
downloadable from www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business
GPG268: Energy efficient ventilation in dwellings - a guide for specifiers
This guide has been prepared to help architects, surveyors and
specifiers understand the issues associated with energy efficient
ventilation and the types of systems that are available to provide
satisfactory ventilation in dwellings.
Downloadable from www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business
GIL20: Low energy domestic lighting
Many factors influence the adequacy and efficiency of lighting: this
guide is intended to help designers, builders, and installers make the
best use of energy efficient lighting and gain acceptance from
occupants. If this happens, it is likely to remain in place for years
and deliver continuing financial savings to the occupants while
reducing carbon dioxide emissions to the environment.
Delivered energy emission factors for 2003
This paper gives guidance on assessing the effects of thermal bridging at junctions and around openings in the external elements of buildings and how to assess their effect on the overall heat loss (or heat gain). It enables a satisfactory estimate of these heat transfers to be made for the purposes of carrying out building regulations compliance calculations. The guidance is primarily intended for junction and opening details that are not as recommended in Accredited construction details or MCRMA/EPIC guidance.
Purchase document from www.brebookshop.com
SAP 2005: Standard assessment procedure for energy rating of dwellings
Approved Document L2A - Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings
2010 edition
This document covers the use of fuel and power in any new buildings except dwellings. It introduces the new Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER) and the Building CO2 Emission Rate (BER) which are calculated using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). This document also covers lighting, solar gain, heating controls and pressure testing.
Approved Document L2B - Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings
2010 edition
This document covers the use of fuel and power in any exisitng buildings except dwellings. It introduces the new Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER) and the Building CO2 Emission Rate (BER) which are calculated using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). This document also covers lighting, solar gain, heating controls and pressure testing.
The Building Regulations - Explanatory booklet (amended in February 2005)
This booklet provides an introduction to the Building Regulations in England and Wales and is intended for anyone proposing to carry out building projects. It is not a statement of the law but is intended to help you to understand the system.
The Water Efficiency Calculator for new dwellings
This document sets out the Water Calculation Methodology for assessing the whole house water efficiency of new dwellings.
Click here to use our Water Calculator
Home buyers and sellers guide to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
The EPC is a compulsory document included in a Home Information
Pack (HIP). Anyone putting up a home for sale will need to commission a HIP which must include and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) based on the energy assessment of their home.
Home buyers and sellers guide to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
The EPC is a compulsory document included in a Home Information
Pack (HIP). Anyone putting up a home for sale will need to commission a HIP which must include and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) based on the energy assessment of their home.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 - Explanatory booklet
This booklet aims to explain in simple terms how the Party Wall etc Act 1996 may affect someone who either wishes to carry out work covered by the Act (the "Building Owner") or receives notification under the Act of proposed adjacent work (the "Adjoining Owner"). It is not an authoritative interpretation of the law.
A guide to determinations and appeals
This guide originally published in November 2001 has now been consolidated to include the Addendum dated June 2006. It provides general guidance on the procedures contained in the Building Act 1984 for:
- applying to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government or the National Assembly for Wales for a determination in respect of the compliance of plans of building work with the Building Regulations; or
- lodging an appeal to the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales against refusal by a local authority to relax or dispense with a requirement in the Building Regulations.
Gas and oil central-heating boilers: Advice to householders
This leaflet provides an introduction to the changes to the requirements for new and replacement boilers under Part L of the Building Regulations.
Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings
2004 edition: Valid from 1 May 2004
This document covers the requirements for access to and the use of new buildings, including dwellings, for everyone. It also includes access and sanitary conveniences to extensions of buildings other than dwellings. The document includes many useful diagrams on how to show compliance with the regulations, along with details on Access Statements.
Approved Document N - Glazing - safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning
1998 edition incorporating 2000 amendments: Valid from 1 January 2001
This document covers the requirements for safety of glazing in relation to impact, opening and cleaning. Guidance is given on how to protect people in all buildings from impacting with glass or from coming into contact with glazing. The document also explains how, in all buildings except for dwellings, manifestation of glazing; safe opening and closing of windows, skylights and ventilators, and; safe access for cleaning glazing, is to be achieved.
Approved Document P - Electrical Safety
2006 edition: Valid from 6 April 2006
This part covers electrical safety in dwellings and explains when notification of work is required. Information on the design, installation, inspection, testing and provision of information is explained, along with details of the Part P competent person self-certification scheme.
Rules for electrical safety in the home
This leaflet introduces Part P (Electrical Safety) which is a Building Regulation that came into force on 1 January 2005
New wiring colours
This leaflet gives a summary of the changes to electrical cable colours, which must be used on all work carried out after 31 March 2006.
Fixed wiring colour change
The changes to the colour identification of conductors in fixed wiring were introduced by Amendment No. 2: 2004 to BS 7671 on 31 March 2004. This booklet gives a more detailed account of the changes compared with the leaflet above, (New wiring colours).
Electricians guide to the building regulations
This guide has been written so that electricians can meet the requirements not only of Part P: Electrical safety in dwellings, but also other relevant building regulations.
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The On-site guide is intended to enable the competent electrician to deal with small installations (up to 100 A, 3-phase). It provides essential information in a convenient, easy to use form, avoiding the need for detailed calculations.
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This British Standard was issued to replace and update the IEE wiring regulations (16th edition) and is the national standard to which all domestic and industrial wiring must conform.
The British Standard was updated on 31 March 2004 to incorporate the new cable colours and is identified by its brown cover.
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Guidance note 1, Selection and erection of equipment
A guide to the selection and erection of electrical equipment. It is part of a series of manuals designed to amplify the particular requirements of a part of the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations. The guide is extensively cross-referenced to the Regulations thus providing easy access. Some Guidance Notes contain information not included in the 16th Edition but which was included in earlier editions of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The guide has been updated to align with BS 7671:2001.
You can purchase this document from: www.iee.org
IEE Guidance note 2, Isolation and switchingGuidance note 2, Isolation and switching
A guide to electrical isolation and switching. It is part of a series of manuals designed to amplify the particular requirements of a part of the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations. The guide is extensively cross-referenced to the Regulations thus providing easy access. Some Guidance Notes contain information not included in the 16th Edition but which was included in earlier editions of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The guide has been updated to align with BS 7671:2001.
You can purchase this document from: www.iee.org
Guidance note 3, Inspection and testing
A guide to electrical inspection and testing. It is part of a series of manuals designed to amplify the particular requirements of a part of the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations. The guide is extensively cross-referenced to the Regulations thus providing easy access. Some Guidance Notes contain information not included in the 16th Edition but which was included in earlier editions of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The guide has been updated to align with BS 7671:2001.
You can purchase this document from: www.iee.org
Guidance note 4, Protection against fire
A guide to the protection of electrical equipment from fire. It is part of a series of manuals designed to amplify the particular requirements of a part of the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations. The guide is extensively cross-referenced to the Regulations thus providing easy access. Some Guidance Notes contain information not included in the 16th Edition but which was included in earlier editions of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The guide has been updated to align with BS 7671:2001.
You can purchase this document from: www.iee.org
Guidance note 5, Protection against electric shock
A guide to the protection of electrical equipment from electrical shock. It is part of a series of manuals designed to amplify the particular requirements of a part of the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations. The guide is extensively cross-referenced to the Regulations thus providing easy access. Some Guidance Notes contain information not included in the 16th Edition but which was included in earlier editions of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The guide has been updated to align with BS 7671:2001.
You can purchase this document from: www.iee.org
Guidance note 6, Protection against overcurrent
A guide to the protection of electrical equipment from overcurrent. It is part of a series of manuals designed to amplify the particular requirements of a part of the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations. The guide is extensively cross-referenced to the Regulations thus providing easy access. Some Guidance Notes contain information not included in the 16th Edition but which was included in earlier editions of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The guide has been updated to align with BS 7671:2001.
You can purchase this document from: www.iee.org
Guidance note 7, Protection against overcurrent
A guide to special locations for electrical equipment. It is part of a series of manuals designed to amplify the particular requirements of a part of the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations. The guide is extensively cross-referenced to the Regulations thus providing easy access. Some Guidance Notes contain information not included in the 16th Edition but which was included in earlier editions of the IEE Wiring Regulations. The guide has been updated to align with BS 7671:2001.
You can purchase this document from: www.iee.org