A number of proposed building regulation changes are to go before Tynwald this July.
The changes would introduce regulations designed to improve energy efficiency in buildings to help meet the Isle of Man Government’s climate change commitments.
The Isle of Man Government is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The required standards and target values are set out in the proposed updates to the Approved Documents Order which will also be laid before Tynwald this month. These provide staged increases in levels of energy efficiency over the next 12 years, allowing rapid progress, whilst providing time for the construction industry to accommodate and adapt to the increasing standards and technology.
A consultation on changes to the Building Regulations and Approved Documents Order found support for a more energy efficient way of construction with the use of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) being highlighted as an option. The SAP methodology is to be introduced as a result.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘These changes will ensure that not only will our standards of energy efficiency in building be comparable, but ultimately they will exceed those of the UK.
‘Increasing the energy efficiency requirements of buildings will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a reduction in the Island’s emissions as a whole.
‘The measures alone will not achieve the required reductions in carbon emissions, but they are a necessary component, amongst a number of measures, that will collectively help achieve our goal of a carbon neutral economy.’
Other proposed amendments will ensure that the Island’s standards for fire safety, ventilation, glazing and the provision of electronic communications networks also continue to be in line with or better than the UK standards.
The proposed changes to Building Regulations and the Approved Documents Order can be viewed on the Tynwald Order Paper.
Subject to Tynwald approval the Building Regulations will come into effect on 31 December 2019.
