The Future is Timber Frame!

EPBD, Amendment Part L & The Kyoto Protocol

What is 'Part L Amendment'?

The Part L Amendment is an amendment made to the Irish Building Regulations in 2006, in accordance with the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, or EPBD. The EU directive was laid out in light of the Kyoto Protocol, which requires that all EU member states dramatically reduce their CO2 emissions by 2012, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and limit energy wastage.

As construction and use of buildings accounts for 45% of Irish CO2 emissions, the ways in which we build, insulate and heat our homes stood out as major factors to be addressed. The L amendment lays out a new set of energy performance standards that must be achieved by all new houses built from the 1st of January 2007.

In Ireland, under amendment Part L, all new houses must attain a BER certificate, (or Building Energy Rating certificate). Energy assessors are sent out to all new build homes to calculate it's building energy rating, which will then be stated on the BER certificate. These building energy ratings must then be presented to any future home buyers and tenants of the building on request, so that they may take in account the energy performance of a building before committing to any sale or rental agreement.

What the EPBD means for New Home Builders?

Energy efficient homes reduce your carbon footprint and are better for the environment - In addition higher energy ratings mean lower heating bills! The cost of heating a home with an A - Energy rating is so reduced that it makes paying a little extra for your home insulation at the time of construction well worth the investment. But insulation alone cannot guarantee the energy rating your new home requires. There are many additional factors that come into play, such as your house construction type.

The EPBD and the role of Timber Frame Homes

Timber Frame Homes are structurally airtight and thermally lightweight. This means that a timber frame home heats up faster and retains this heat for longer, also requiring far less energy to do so. Reduction in energy consumption equates to reduced CO2 emissions & energy wastage, keeping Kyoto happy, and as an added bonus will reduce your home heating bills, keeping you happy. Infact, timber framed homes are proven to provide 32% lower heating costs, and thats before you add your timber home insulation into the equation.

Ramstown's Response to the New EU Directive

Ramstown Timber Frame Company provides a one stop shop for self builders. As an optional service our experts can advise you on energy saving methods and how to insulate your home to achieve the highest possible energy rating. For your home building convenience we can also supply and fit the insulation materials for you - reducing the hassle of sourcing reliable external trades people.

Ramstown Timber Frame now offers an all new air-tight insulation service! This is a process whereby your home insulation is protected by powerful yet toxin-free adhesives. The adhesives create an airtight seal around the insulation. Airtight insulation protection further improves your home energy rating, potentially increases your home energy performance by an additional 30%, and prevents condensation, mould and potential structural damage.

Choose The Future, Choose Timber Frame

It is undisputed that timber frame homes are the most cost efficient, energy efficient, and eco-friendly form of building structure on the market today. Timber framed construction enables you to achieve the highest possible energy ratings - both enhancing your home comfort and boosting the re-sale value and marketability of your new home. Don't delay, contact the Ramstown Timber Frame Company today, and find out why the Future is Timber Frame.

>> See Our Step-By-Step guide to the Timber Frame Construction Process!

Ramstown Timber Frame Company

Ramstown, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland

P: 053 9422 099

F: 053 9422 130

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