Building Regulations Part F (Northern Ireland)

Technical Booklet F1 - Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings

Technical Booklet F1 from the Department of Finance and Personnel highlights the performance standards for energy efficiency compliance of new and existing dwellings.

New Dwellings, Part F1 Compliance 

The main compliance target for new build dwellings in Northern Ireland are carbon emissions. A new build property has to achieve a Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) equal to or lower than the Target Emission Rate (TER) established before the property is built, in order to comply. 

SAP calculations are used to calculate the energy performance of a building at both 'design' and 'as built' stage, and can establish a TER and DER for compliance. If the SAP calculations comply with Part F1, this will demonstrate that the dwelling has been designed to the appropriate standards and/or has been constructed to the requirements. 

Existing Dwellings, Part F1 Compliance

If the dwelling is being extended, there is a 'material change of use' (conversion) or even a change to the energy status. Then Part F1 SAP Calculations may be required for compliance.

For example, extensions with large amounts of glazing,  barn conversions or converting commercial building into a dwelling will all require SAP Calculations for compliance. 

SAP Calculations for Northern Ireland >

Technical Booklet F2- Conservation of Fuel and Power in Non-Dwellings

Technical Booklet F2 from the Department of Finance and Personnel highlights the performance standards  for energy efficiency compliance of new and existing buildings other than dwellings.

The National Calculation Methodology used for the compliance of buildings other than dwellings include either Simplified Building Energy Modelling (SBEM) or Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM).

New Buildings, Part F2 Compliance

As with new dwellings in Northern Ireland, the main compliance target for new buildings is carbon dioxide emissions. A new building has to achieve a Building Emission Rate (BER) equal to or lower than the Target Emission Rate (TER) established before the building is constructed, in order to comply. 

SBEM or DSM calculations are used to calculate the energy performance of a building at both 'design' and 'as built' stage, and can establish a TER and BER for compliance.

If the energy calculations comply with Part F2, this will demonstrate that the building has been designed to the appropriate standards and/or has been constructed to the requirements.   

Existing Buildings, Part F2 Compliance

Commercial buildings that have large extensions or experience a change of energy status from a conversion, may require energy calculations to comply with Part F2.

For example, Extensions that are greater than 100m² and account for more than 25% of the total useful floor area of the existing building will require Part F2 SBEM Calculations to comply. 

SBEM Calculations for Northern Ireland >

Related Links

SAP Calculations  > SBEM Calculations >Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) >