This document covers the use of fuel and power within new and existing dwellings only. It explains the use of the Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER) and the Dwelling CO2 Emission Rate (DER) to enable greater flexibility in design without comprising on energy efficiency. U-value standards for walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors and rooflights are shown. The document also covers lighting, solar gain, secondary heating and pressure testing.
Approved Document L – Volume 1
2021 edition incorporating 2023 amendments: Valid from 2 February 2023
PDF file: 1.44 MB, 104 pages
The requirements in this edition of Approved Document L – Volume 1 are as follows:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power
Reasonable provision shall be made for the conservation of fuel and power in buildings by—
(a) limiting heat gains and losses—
(i) through thermal elements and other parts of the building fabric; and
(ii) from pipes, ducts and vessels used for space heating, space cooling and hot water services;
(b) providing fixed building services which—
(i) are energy efficient to a reasonable standard;
(ii) have effective controls; and
(iii) are commissioned by testing and adjusting as necessary to ensure they use no more fuel and power than
Limits on application
None
L2 – On-site generation of electricity
Where a system for on-site electricity generation is installed—
(a) reasonable provision must be made to ensure that—
(i) the system and its electrical output are appropriately sized for the site and available infrastructure;
(ii) the system has effective controls; and
(b) it must be commissioned by testing and adjusting as necessary to ensure that it produces the maximum electricity that is reasonable in the circumstances.
Limits on application
None
Archived copies of Approved Document L – Dwellings
February 2023 amendments to Approved Document L
Valid from 2 February 2023
PDF file: 112 KB, 4 pages
Approved Document L Volume 1: Dwellings – 2021 edition
Valid from 15 June 2022 until 2 February 2023
The requirements in this edition were:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power
L2 – On-site generation of electricity
PDF file: 1.22 MB, 104 pages
Approved Document L1A – 2013 edition incorporating 2016 amendments
Valid from 6 April 2016 until 15 June 2022
The requirement in this edition was:
L1A – Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
PDF file: 346 KB, 46 pages
April 2016 amendments to Approved Document L
Valid from 6 April 2016 until 15 June 2022
PDF file: 113 KB, 10 pages
Approved Document L1A – 2013 edition
Valid from 6 April 2014 until 6 April 2016
The requirement in this edition was:
L1A – Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
PDF file: 1.78 MB, 43 pages
November 2013 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 6 April 2014 until 6 April 2016
These amendments were made to Approved Documents L1B and L2B only.
PDF file: 125 KB, 14 pages
April 2013 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 6 April 2013
PDF file: 478 KB, 54 pages
Approved Document L1A – 2010 edition incorporating further 2010 amendments
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2014
The requirement in this edition was:
L1A – Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
PDF file: 1.82 MB, 31 pages
March 2010 revisions and corrections to Approved Documents
Valid from 6 April 2014 until
These revisions and corrections were issued for the 2006 editions of Approved Documents L1A, L1B, L2A and L2B
PDF file: 227 KB, 25 pages
Approved Document L1A – 2010 edition
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2014
The requirement in this edition was:
L1A – Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
PDF file: 513 KB, 29 pages
Approved Document L1A – 2006 edition
Valid from 6 April 2006 until 1 October 2010
The requirement in this edition was:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power
PDF file: 318 KB, 39 pages
April 2005 corrections to Approved Document L1
Valid from 1 April 2005 until 6 April 2006
PDF file: 979 KB, 9 pages
Approved Document L1 – 2002 edition: Third impression 2003 with revisions
Valid from 1 April 2002 until 1 April 2005
The requirement in this edition was:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings
PDF file: 1.94 MB, 55 pages
Approved Document L1 – 2002 edition
Valid from 1 April 2002 until 6 April 2006
The requirement in this edition was:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power
PDF file: 393 KB, 59 pages
Approved Document L – 1995 edition
Valid from 1 July 1995 until 1 April 2002
The requirement in this edition was:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power
No download currently available
Approved Document L – 1990 edition with 1992 amendments
Valid from ??? until 1 July 1995
The requirement in this edition was:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power
PDF file: 4.75 MB, 25 pages
Approved Document L – 1990 edition
Valid from 1 April 1990 until ???
The requirement in this edition was:
L1 – Conservation of fuel and power
No download currently available
Approved Document L – 1985 edition
Valid from 11 November 1985 until 1 April 1990
The requirements in this edition were:
L2/3 – Resistance to the passage of heat
L4 – Heating system controls
L5 – Insulation of heating services
No download currently available