This ‘where to start’ guide is intended to help homebuilders, designers, and others involved in the development of new homes to understand the new Approved Document O – Overheating in new dwellings in England (ADO 2021).
The guide explains the main implications of the new AD and the interaction with other Building Regulations including Part L – Conservation of fuel and power (ADL 2021), Part K – Protection from falling, collision and impact (ADK 2010) and Part M Access to and use of buildings (ADM 2010). It is intended especially for smaller homebuilders.
The guide is based on the Government’s suggested approach to meeting the building regulations. Alternative approaches are possible but they should be discussed and agreed with a building control body before building work starts. You should always check with the Building Control Body that your proposals comply with all the requirements of the Building Regulations.
What is Part O?
Part O requires developers to take steps to reduce overheating in new homes to protect the health and welfare of occupants.
Overheating is increasingly widespread in the UK. Excessive temperatures are a particular problem when people are trying to sleep. Heat-related deaths are expected to more than triple to 7,000 a year by the 2050s. You should normally get overheating and energy advice early in the design process and before submitting designs for planning approval, because it can impact the appearance of façades, especially glazing.
Click here to find out more about the Future Homes Hub’s work on building regulations.