Legislation prompts building costs fears

The Government aims to increase energy efficiency standards for both domestic and non-domestic buildings as part of its long-term target to reduce CO2 emissions.

The latest changes to the Building Regulations 2000, which come into effect from October, will affect how buildings are ventilated and how they conserve fuel and power.

Robert Giles, project manager for Simons Developments, which was behind City Walk 1 and 2 office buildings in Leeds as well as the city's mothballed 115m Criterion Place scheme, said: "The changes could add in the region of up to 10 per cent on the build cost, depending on the design and the project."

Air leakage and heat loss could be challenged and air testing and ventilation improvements will have a greater importance.

He added: "Building designers will have to provide target emission ratings prior to construction rather than just at post completion and the final assessment will have to meet, or better, the target rating."

The changes could also affect building work to existing buildings.