Technical Guidance Document Part L

The ORS Energy Team can offer both specialist and bespoke guidance on TGD Part L compliance for both commercial and residential applications. To assist in this process ORS also provides whole building energy modelling and thermal bridging analysis. At ORS, we recognise that buildings must be developed taking a holistic approach, our NZEB specifications allow our clients to design with greater accuracy, be more efficient and at an optimum cost.

Nearly Zero Energy Buildings

Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, EU member states must ensure that all new buildings are ‘Nearly Zero Energy Buildings’ (NZEB) by 31st December 2020 and that all new buildings occupied and owned by public bodies are designed  to the NZEB standard after the 31st December 2018. A ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building’ (NZEB) means a building that has a very high energy performance. The nearly zero or minimal amount of energy required by the building should be sourced mostly from renewable sources produced on-site or locally.

ORS advises clients on both domestic and non-domestic new builds and renovations to ensure obligatory NZEB requirements are met.

Non-Domestic Buildings

The implementation of Technical Guidance Document Part L 2017 (NZEB) shows Ireland’s commitment to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Improving the performance of non-residential buildings has many benefit s such as reduced lifetime operational costs of the building, improved occupant comfort and minimal environmental impact .

Given that we spend up to 90% of our life in buildings it is paramount that we create healthy internal environments, energy efficiency is central to this. New non-residential buildings receiving planning permission aft er the 31st of December 2018 must comply with TGD Part L 2017 of the Building Regulations (NZEB). TGD L 2017 also defines minimum standards that must be complied with for major renovations of existing non -domestic buildings.

Domestic Buildings

As of January 1st 2020, all new build dwellings must comply with the Technical Guidance Document Part L, 2019 (NZEB) standard. A new NZEB (Dwelling) will typically correspond to an A2 Building Energy Rating (BER). For all new builds, NZEB will typically be the equivalent to a 25% improvement in energy performance on the previous Technical Guidance Document Part L 2011 standard. For domestic buildings, compliance will be demonstrated using the DEAP (Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure) methodology. As of January 1st 2020, all new build dwellings must comply with the Technical Guidance Document Part L, 2019 (NZEB) standard . A new NZEB (Dwelling) will typically correspond to an A2 Building.