 DesignWhat is Part L ?In April 2006, Part L was introduced into the Building Regulations to deal with the conservation of energy in new and existing buildings, and both domestic and commercial premises. The UK Government has a legal commitment to implement the European Directive on Energy Performance in Buildings [EPBD] which requires all new and existing buildings to be given an energy rating and for new buildings to meet a minimum standard of energy efficiency. This presents a considerable challenge to architects, designers and specifiers and will have a significant effect on the UK building industry. The regulation in respect of internal lighting is a little unclear but in simple terms it requires that 1 in 4 fixed light fittings or 1 fixed light fitting per 25 sq metres be "energy efficient". These requirements exclude garages, cupboards and other storage spaces. The definition of "energy efficient" in this case is "in excess of 40 lumens per circuit watt." Lumens per watt [ lm / W ] is an expression of the amount of electrical energy required [measured in Watts] for a given output of light [measured in Lumens]. For example, an ordinary incandescent lamp or bulb, uses 100 Watts to produce 1700 lumens compared with a compact fluorescent lamp that uses only 26 Watts to produce 1800 lumens. In other words the same amount of light for 75% less energy. Examples of fittings that achieve these standards are those using fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent sources [CFL] and LEDs [Light emitting diodes]. Fittings using discharge lamps such as metal halide, sodium, mercury vapour, also fall into this category but are more commonly used in commercial applications. Type Part L into the search box and a selection of compliant products will be displayed. 
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