Regulations
Planning
Planning permission is necessary for most new build projects and for any major extension work that falls outside of what is termed permitted development. If you're thinking of refurbishing or extending an existing house, the UK planning portal has an excellent interactive guide that explains whether you need to apply for planning permission or building control approval, and outlines your responsibilities.
The planning portal also explains national planning policy, the application process and has links to local planning authorities.
Building Regulations
Building regulations govern the standards to which building work must be carried out, They ensure that properties are safe, meet minimum standards of energy efficiency and accessibility etc. They are broken down into 14 parts that focus on different topics.
Planning permission is necessary for most new build projects and for any major extension work that falls outside of what is termed permitted development. If you're thinking of refurbishing or extending an existing house, the UK planning portal has an excellent interactive guide that explains whether you need to apply for planning permission or building control approval, and outlines your responsibilities.
The planning portal also explains national planning policy, the application process and has links to local planning authorities.
Building Regulations
Building regulations govern the standards to which building work must be carried out, They ensure that properties are safe, meet minimum standards of energy efficiency and accessibility etc. They are broken down into 14 parts that focus on different topics.
Voluntary Standards
Code for Sustainable Homes
The code for sustainable homes is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. It aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote higher standards of sustainable design above the current minimum standards set out by the building regulations.
Passivhaus
Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany, and can be certified through an exacting quality assurance process.
Living Building Challenge
The Living Building Challenge is an American standard that is gaining traction in the UK.
The code for sustainable homes is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. It aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote higher standards of sustainable design above the current minimum standards set out by the building regulations.
Passivhaus
Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany, and can be certified through an exacting quality assurance process.
Living Building Challenge
The Living Building Challenge is an American standard that is gaining traction in the UK.
Finance
Ethical Lenders
Ecology Building Society - specialise in financing eco build & refurbishment projects. Based in Silsden.
Triodos Bank - Ethical lenders & investors
Renewables Subsidies
Feed-in Tariffs
Renewable Heat Incentive
Ecology Building Society - specialise in financing eco build & refurbishment projects. Based in Silsden.
Triodos Bank - Ethical lenders & investors
Renewables Subsidies
Feed-in Tariffs
Renewable Heat Incentive
