Phil Copperwheat, Information Systems Director at Morgan Sindall Property Services and IoT data and analytics company goldeni, discusses the ways in which IoT sensors and data analytics can help to ensure buildings meet the new standards while remaining healthy and efficient
In June 2022, updates to England’s Building Regulations will come into force, including improvements to the ventilation requirements (Part F) within residential properties.
What the changes mean
Published in December 2021, the changes to England’s Building Regulations are intended to improve the energy efficiency of properties to help further the country’s net-zero progress. These changes will also aid the shift toward the Future Homes and Future Buildings Standards, which are to be rolled out in 2025.
The regulation updates include changes to Part L, which will see improvements to the conservation of fuel and power requirements, and the introduction of Part O, which aims to reduce overheating. There have also been significant changes to Part F, which will enhance the standards around ventilation, with newly built properties being required to comply with one of four ventilation systems.
Benefits of improving ventilation in residential properties
Improving the ventilation within a property can have several benefits for both the fabric of the building and the health and wellbeing of the tenants. Properties with poor ventilation, particularly those that are very well insulated, can experience high levels of condensation, which can lead to damp and mold growth.
Poor ventilation is also associated with poor internal air quality (IAQ), including higher levels of CO2, which may cause fatigue and headaches for occupants. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of adequate ventilation concerning the risk of virus transmission. A flow of fresh air is cited as a crucial component in lowering the chance of infection.
Importance of energy efficiency
To develop energy-efficient and well-ventilated homes, the updates to Part L and Part F must be considered together. Part L focuses on the energy performance of a property with the introduction of new minimum fabric efficiency standards, which could negatively impact the IAQ.
Simultaneously, improved ventilation can reduce the overall efficiency of a property as an increased flow of air makes it more difficult for the building to retain heat.
Monitoring energy efficiency and ventilation
The two parts must be closely monitored to ensure that the property and tenants reap the benefits of these regulatory updates. It’s essential that there is a balance between the implementation of Part L and Part F. This is where IoT technology like goldeni comes in.
Through data-gathering sensors and insight-driven analytics, the goldeni platform can monitor the internal environment to ensure that the building is performing at its optimum while guaranteeing the wellbeing of those who live there.
How IoT and data analytics can help
The cutting-edge sensor technology can monitor everything from the CO2 and humidity levels to the temperature and calculate the building’s Heat Transfer Coefficient.
This data can help ensure that the property is not only compliant with the latest regulations but also safe, healthy, and energy efficient. In this way, property managers and landlords can advance their net-zero commitments while offering their tenants the best possible living environment.
IoT technologies can help landlords and property service teams manage and maintain their properties, providing insights and evidence of the level of ventilation in the property whilst also keeping a close eye on energy efficiency measures. Helping the landlord comply to the changes in Building Regulations and ensuring the tenant has a healthy, sustainable home.
Housing Digital Stakeholder goldeni is revolutionising the way we manage and maintain our homes. Through a series of connected sensors and devices, goldeni delivers insights into home health, safety and environmental impact.
Image: yuttana Contributor Studio/Shutterstock
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