Gripes about the Building Regulations seem to have been taken on board by the government, whose report contains promising improvements, says Peter Caplehorn. What on earth are they doing to the Building Regulations? There are some answers in a published document from the Communities and Local Government: ' Future of Building Control Implementation Plan'. For those who use the Regulations on a day to day basis this is essential reading. Over the past few years the CLG has been consulting on how they should develop. Many at the coal face want simplification, clarity and currency. They believe the Regulations are over- complex, too reliant on third party documents, and above all compliance seems difficult. So it is refreshing to see that the government has listened and is taking action. This document is a progress report and many of the issues the industry were most vocal about are encapsulated in its proposals. Along with some detailed changes come a better structure and transparency. Changes are mapped out and a there is a commitment to ensure the industry gets good notice before implementation. There is greater joined up thinking too. The document promises better consultation with industry, stakeholder co- operation with local authorities, and clearer remits for building control officers. There is synergy with other regulations and a commitment to continue it. There is a restatement of what Building Regulations will and will not do for customers. Smoother interface The plan suggests smoothing the interface between building control and planning while converting to an e- enabled system as quickly as possible. A plan to review approved documents is bolstered by a process to ensure all aspects are considered. Approved documents themselves are under review to see how they can be made clearer and more appropriate for all parts of the industry. One idea is for project guides, which will hopefully target small and self contained work. Additionally better and more targeted guidance is also promised with a focus on clear advice. Third party references are also going to be reviewed. Much criticism has been attracted by the cost and complexity of the large number of third party references that are needed today. The importance of ensuring the Regulations work for practical construction has been stressed. Changes are also proposed to administration of the Regulations: critically, it suggests a risk- based assessment process, meaning inspection resources can be adjusted in relation to the potential risk of any project. Particularly welcome will be changes to compliance and better enforcement. We are all sick of the way cowboys give the industry a bad name, especially with home owners. And while new procedures for dispute resolution should reduce bureaucracy, the competent persons scheme for technically difficult areas, and pattern book details, will be retained. Welcome measures The measures are set out in a framework for delivery and in relation to continually improving indicators. Overall these proposals are to be welcomed. In the long term they should make life a little less complicated and free up design options. However the required outcomes need to be clearly stated even when the route to getting there may be the Architectural Technologist's choice. CLG closes the report stating: ' Our vision is for a . . . system which ensures buildings are safe, healthy and sustainable for future generations.' We would all agree with that. However, I would add that the system should be clear to allow freedom to design rather than have to spend all day trying to work out how to design a compliant staircase. Read the report at http:// tinyurl. com/ m7ay7c. Regulations update Part G delayed The revised Part G bringing in better safety for hot water, and increased provision for water conservation and sanitary installations has been delayed. It was to have been launched on 1 October but now may not be in place until April next year. This is because the proposals were not put through the European consultation process in time. SSIP goes live Following its web launch SSIP ( Safety Schemes in Procurement) will be launched to the industry on 4 November. It should start to push back against the paperwork for all consultants involved in safety accreditation. This is a forum for safety schemes but, significantly, membership of one, such as the Contractors' Health and Safety Scheme, is deemed membership of any other SSIP member. Get involved Regulatory know how: come and join other interested practitioners on the RIBA Knowledge Communities' Regulations area. We regularly add good practice guidance on Regulations and health and safety, and seek views, questions and suggestions. Go to www. riba- knowledgecommunities. com Peter Caplehorn is technical director at Scott Brownrigg architects and a RIBA practice committee member leading on regulatory and health and safety issues. Listening Government With upcoming and proposed changes to the Building Regulations, Peter Caplehorn takes an insightful look at what to expect. BUILDINGREGULATIONS ATMARCH- APRIL201013 More targeted guidance is promised, with a focus on clear advice

The term ' Passive House' has become more commonly used in the UK in recent years, largely as a result of increased media coverage on radio and television programmes, such as Channel 4' s Grand Designs. With the mounting pressure to reduce our CO ² emissions, whilst also becoming more sustainable and energy efficient in line with Government objectives, could this rigorous German energy standard help us to reach our ambitious targets for 2016 and beyond? The Passive House Concept A Passive House is a building that is designed and constructed to a strict set of criteria to ensure maximum comfort with minimum overall energy consumption. The building fabric is detailed in such a way that heat loss is reduced to an absolute minimum, whilst internal heat gains are maximised. As a result, conventional heating systems can be removed and space heating can sufficiently be supplied through passive sources such as body heat and the sun. This saves up to 90% of the building's overall energy consumption when compared to a standard house constructed to current Building Regulations. The Passive House Institute The Passive House approach is tried and tested and is widespread in both Germany and Austria. The first Passive House project was built in Germany in 1990 and there are now an estimated 20,000 Passive Houses across Europe. The Passive House Standard: An Introduction To live in the most environmentally friendly way, a Passive House is perhaps the way forward. Certified Passive House Designer, Steff Bell Bsc ( Hons) ACIAT explains how they work in the first instalment of his introduction to the Passive House Standard. PASSIVEHOUSE 14ATMARCH- APRIL2010 Right: Passive House example from Steingaden, Germany ( South elevation)