Part L represents the key method for the government to ensure that future buildings are low in energy use and compatible with meeting our climate emission targets. However, the much-anticipated update of Part L shows just how out of touch the government is with the industry it regulates.

In October 2019 the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (as it then was) released a consultation on the proposed standard, asking the built environment industry how they felt the approved document should be updated. It received 3,310 responses from across the industry. This was followed by a further consultation in January 2021, which received over 740 responses from across the sector, including trade bodies, local authorities, energy suppliers and manufacturers.

With the latest consultation document over 180 pages long, a response takes many hours to complete. These quantities of responses show just how important Part L is to the construction industry.

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