The newly-published Part L consultations include a recommendation that the current minimum energy performance standard be upgraded from C to B.

Proposals also include a requirement for consequential improvements when homeowners replace boilers or windows, and, in good news for the timber industry, the paper says the preferred standards for new homes could be met by improvements to the building fabric, such as walls and windows.

The proposal for consequential improvements could mean homeowners having to pay for additional work such as insulation and draughtproofing. The government is proposing a threshold for these works, such as 50% of the windows in a single elevation or 50% of all windows in the home.

It said its recommended changes should result in an increase in work for small builders. “But we will need to consider the risk that the new requirements could deter building occupiers from carrying out works,” it added.

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is also concerned at the “extra burdens” the consequental improvements could place on potential customers and the possible impact on compliance.

It is also concerned about the potential burden on its members. “Earlier changes to Part L made big improvements in the thermal performance of new buildings, but we are now in a situation of diminishing returns,” said chief executive Iain McIlwee.

“The industry will need to make its voice heard if we are facing unrealistic hurdles in order to achieve what may be only small improvements to the building.”

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