On the 1st of January 2003 the new Building Regulations in relation to Conservation of Fuel and Energy, Part L, came into force. The introduction of Part L by the Minister of Environment and Local Government requires the reduction of new dwellings overall U-Values and the use of higher levels of insulation to meet its aim to reduce the level of CO2 emissions.

Timber frame construction has the reputation for being exceptionally energy efficient and has always maintained much higher thermal performance than other forms of construction. This reputation has been put to the test with the recent changes to the Building Regulations and timber frame has been found to easily comply with the improving standards set out by Government and the relevant standards authorities. Indeed, timber frames high performance continues to set the pace in thermal efficiency and is the most cost effective and efficient way to meet the requirements.

Building Regulations for New Dwellings (2002) 1997 2002
Element W/m2k Wm2k
Ground Floor 0.45 0.25
Walls 0.45 0.27 
Roof 0.25 0.16
Windows 3.0 2.20

A typical external Timber Frame wall can readily achieve 0.20W/m2k. Timber Frame has long matched and out-performed the new requirements using the following specifications.

19mm external cladding
100mm standard concrete block
500mm cavity
Breather membrane on plywood/OSB sheeting
140mm external stud
150mm mineral wool insulation (18kg density)
Vapour barrier
12.5mm plasterboard