What are the photographic evidence requirements of Approved Document L1 2021?

Studies now suggest that in-use energy consumption can be 5 to 10 times higher than compliance calculations carried out during the design stage – this is known as the ‘performance gap’.

The industry has found that although all new developments hit the targets on paper, there is significant evidence that suggests that new buildings are not performing as well when they are completed as to what was anticipated in design stage.

This has now been addressed in the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations that came into effect in June this year.

Before these new rules, signed paperwork was enough to confirm most of the details informing an EPC - almost all the items which go into producing an assessment such as insulation levels, heating and cooling, lighting and thermal bridging details are self-declared by the developer.

With these changes, you are now required to record qualitative photographic evidence of the as-built construction and provide these to the energy assessor and Building Control. Appendix B Part L 2021 detail the specific requirements of the evidence required. This will help to ensure that it reflects that of the design stage SAP calculation.

An audit of the as built construction photos must be conducted by the energy assessor prior to the production of the EPC and BREL output compliance report for each dwelling. Both of which are required by the Building Control Body for final completion sign off.

Listed below are the details of what needs to photographed as per the new Part L document – the photograph should be unique to each property.

One photograph per detail should be recorded. Additional images, such as a closeup detail, should be provided only when necessary (see below). Photographs should be taken at appropriate construction stages for each detail when completed, but prior to closing-up works.

1. Foundations/substructure and ground floor, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation in the following places:

• At ground floor perimeter edge insulation.
• At external door threshold.
• Below damp-proof course on external walls.

2. External walls: for each main wall type, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation for the following:

• Ground floor to wall junction.
• Structural penetrating elements.

NOTE: For blown fill, photos should show clean cavities and clean brick ties with very limited mortar droppings.

3. Roof: for each main roof type, to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation at the following:

• Joist/rafter level.
• Eaves and gable edges.

4. Openings: for each opening type (one image per wall or roof type is sufficient), to show thermal continuity and quality of insulation with photographs of the following:

• `Window positioning in relation to cavity closer or insulation line.
• External doorset positioning in relation to cavity closer or insulation line

5. Airtightness: additional photographs for all details 1–4 to show airtightness details (only if not included or visible in continuity of insulation image).

6. Building services: for all plant associated with space heating, hot water, ventilation and low or zero carbon technology equipment within or on the building, show the following:

• Plant/equipment identification label(s), including make/model and serial number.
• Primary pipework continuity of insulation.
• Mechanical ventilation ductwork continuity of insulation (for duct sections outside the thermal envelope).

Section B8 of Part L1 2021 require the following: -

• Photographs should be digital and of sufficient quality and high enough resolution to allow a qualitative audit of the subject detail. Close-up photographs may be needed where a long shot image provides insufficient detail. More than one image of each detail may be needed. Geolocation should be enabled to confirm the location, date and time of each image. Each image file name should include a plot number and detail reference according to the numbers used in paragraph B7. For example, Plot 1 eaves detail would be P1/3b.
• It is recommended that a schedule and checklist is provided to all site management staff to ensure evidence is collected at the correct stage of the build prior to works proceeding to ensure photos are easily recorded. Failure to do so may result needing to deconstruction works and could result in the non-compliance with the BREL report. This BREL report is required by the building control body during final sign off and completion.

Let Achieve Green guide you

As experts in providing professional advice on the design and construction of low energy and sustainable buildings, we can offer an analytical view on the proposed solutions and how these will translate into practical solutions to achieve compliance.

We have a team of professionally trained consultants that offer nationwide coverage, and that can guide you smoothly the processes, from concept to completion. Talk to us today to find out how we can help.