At EnergyCore Compliance, we provide Regulation 25A assessments to help architects, developers, housebuilders and design teams comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations for new buildings.
Regulation 25A requires that, before construction begins, the person carrying out the work considers whether high-efficiency alternative systems are technically, environmentally and economically feasible for the proposed development. This assessment forms an important part of the Building Regulations process and demonstrates that energy-efficient solutions have been evaluated at the design stage.
Our experienced consultants produce clear, compliant Regulation 25A reports that support your Building Control submission and help ensure your project meets current regulatory requirements.
What is Regulation 25A?
Regulation 25A is part of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and applies to many new buildings in England.
The regulation requires designers and developers to assess whether alternative, high-efficiency energy systems would be suitable for the proposed building before construction starts. Rather than automatically selecting a traditional heating system, the project team must demonstrate that low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies have been considered.
The purpose of Regulation 25A is to encourage more sustainable building design, reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall energy performance of new developments.
What Are High-Efficiency Alternative Systems?
Regulation 25A requires consideration of a range of technologies where they are appropriate for the project.
These may include:
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
- Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
- District or communal heating networks
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems
- Solar thermal systems
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
- High-efficiency electric heating systems
- Other renewable or low-carbon energy technologies
Not every technology will be suitable for every development. The purpose of the assessment is to demonstrate that reasonable alternatives have been considered and evaluated.
Why is Regulation 25A Required?
The UK is committed to reducing carbon emissions from the built environment, and new buildings play a significant role in achieving these targets.
Regulation 25A helps ensure that developers consider more energy-efficient technologies during the design phase rather than after construction has begun.
By carrying out the assessment early in the project, developers can:
- Improve the building’s energy performance.
- Reduce operational carbon emissions.
- Support Building Regulations compliance.
- Consider renewable energy technologies.
- Identify long-term energy cost savings.
- Future-proof new developments.
Who Needs a Regulation 25A Assessment?
Regulation 25A typically applies to new residential and commercial buildings that are subject to Building Regulations.
Our services are regularly used by:
- Architects
- Property developers
- Housebuilders
- Commercial developers
- Design and build contractors
- Planning consultants
- Building services engineers
- Self-builders
Whether you’re constructing a single dwelling, apartment block, office or commercial development, we can provide the assessment required to support your project.
Our Regulation 25A Assessment Process
1. Project Review
We review your proposed development, including architectural drawings, intended building use and energy strategy.
2. Alternative System Assessment
Our consultants evaluate the suitability of various high-efficiency alternative systems based on the technical, environmental and economic characteristics of your project.
3. Feasibility Analysis
Each appropriate technology is assessed to determine whether it could reasonably be incorporated into the building design.
4. Regulation 25A Report
You’ll receive a comprehensive report documenting the systems considered, the assessment undertaken and the conclusions reached, suitable for Building Control and project records.
Benefits of a Regulation 25A Assessment
Completing a Regulation 25A assessment provides several advantages beyond regulatory compliance.
These include:
- Demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations.
- Supporting planning and Building Control submissions.
- Identifying low-carbon design opportunities.
- Improving long-term energy efficiency.
- Reducing operational energy costs.
- Supporting sustainability objectives.
- Helping achieve higher-performing buildings.
Why Choose EnergyCore Compliance?
At EnergyCore Compliance, we work closely with architects and developers to deliver practical, straightforward compliance advice.
Our clients benefit from:
- Experienced energy and compliance consultants.
- Fast turnaround times.
- Residential and commercial expertise.
- Clear, professionally presented reports.
- Competitive fixed-fee quotations.
- Responsive technical support throughout the project.
We understand that Regulation 25A is one part of the wider compliance process and can also assist with SAP Calculations, SBEM Calculations, EPCs, overheating assessments and other Building Regulations services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Regulation 25A report?
A Regulation 25A report documents the assessment of high-efficiency alternative energy systems for a proposed new building. It demonstrates that suitable low-carbon technologies have been considered before construction begins, as required by the Building Regulations.
Is a Regulation 25A assessment mandatory?
For many new buildings, yes. Regulation 25A requires that the feasibility of high-efficiency alternative systems is considered before construction starts. The assessment forms part of the Building Regulations compliance process.
What systems are considered under Regulation 25A?
The assessment may consider technologies such as:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- District heating
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
- Solar PV
- Solar thermal
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
- Other renewable and low-carbon energy systems
The technologies assessed will depend on the type, size and location of the development.
When should a Regulation 25A assessment be completed?
The assessment should be undertaken during the design stage and before construction begins. This ensures that any viable alternative systems can be incorporated into the project without causing delays or requiring costly design changes later.
What information is required for a quotation?
To provide an accurate quotation, we’ll typically require:
- Architectural drawings.
- Site address.
- Building type and proposed use.
- Number of dwellings or floor area.
- Proposed heating strategy (if known).
- Project stage.
- Expected construction programme.
If your design is still evolving, we can discuss your project and advise on the information required.
Can you provide Regulation 25A alongside other compliance services?
Yes. EnergyCore Compliance offers a complete range of Building Regulations compliance services, including SAP Calculations, EPCs, Part O Overheating Assessments, Dynamic Thermal Modelling and Heat Loss Calculations. Combining services can simplify the compliance process and provide a single point of contact throughout your project.
Request a Regulation 25A Quote
Whether you’re designing a new home, residential development or commercial building, EnergyCore Compliance can provide a professional Regulation 25A assessment to support your Building Regulations compliance.
Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation quotation and let us help ensure your project meets the latest energy efficiency requirements from the very beginning