From 1st April 2005 details of boiler installations to be submit

Report Part L

Changes to the Building Regulations

You will be aware of the importance the Government and other world leaders attach to controlling carbon dioxide emissions. You will have seen the effects of climate change, the unusual weather conditions, the unusual problems with flooding, plus tropical storms.

Around one third of the emissions come from domestic buildings with the majority coming from central heating and hot water heaters. The Council and Building Control have an important part to play in the control of new and replacement heating systems through the enforcement of the Building Regulations.

The Building Regulations will be strengthened from the 1st April 2005 to ensure that only the most fuel efficient heating systems will be installed. All gas installations must be by law installed by a Corgi registered gas fitter and must be rated A or B on energy efficiency thus producing less carbon dioxide for discharge into the environment.

The changes will mean:


From 1st April, all gas boilers installed will be condensing boilers, apart from a few exceptions.
Details of all boiler installations must be notified to Building Control.
A “Competent Persons Scheme” will be introduced for the notification of installations via Corgi to the Local Authority.
The existing Corgi registered gas fitters will need to pass an additional qualification in order for them to use the Corgi “Competent Persons Scheme.” This means passing a recognised qualification (currently City & Guilds 6084 Energy Efficiency Certificate). Any Corgi registered gas fitter installing a boiler who chooses not to participate in the Competent Persons Scheme, will need to submit a Building Notice to the Local Authority.
New oil fired boilers will be subjected to similar controls from the 1st April 2007.

Implications for the Local Authority Building Control

A duty to administer the competent persons scheme.
A duty to deal with additional Building Notice applications, these are chargeable to the applicant.
A duty to enforce the new Regulations.
Any projects administered or funded by the Local Authority will be subject to the additional cost of installing and maintaining a condensing boiler.
Information on boiler installations will be needed for local land charge searches.