To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to include heating system water treatment cleaners and inhibitors in the UK implementation of energy performance standards for technical building systems under the EU Energy Performance of Building Directive. (302113)

Articles 3 to 6 of the EPBD that cover requirements for the energy efficiency of buildings have been implemented through part L of the building regulations—conservation of fuel and power.

Building regulations guidance calls for the application of water treatment when heating systems are installed in new and existing dwellings. There are no proposals to extend the guidance to non-domestic buildings, although we will consider any requests to do so as part of the analysis of the responses to the recent building regulations part 2010 consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to amend the Building Regulations to (a) encourage a reduction in energy consumption through the application of heating system water treatment cleaners and inhibitors and (b) make the application of heating system water treatment cleaners and inhibitors a mandatory element of the Regulations. (302114)

Building regulations guidance already calls for the application of water treatment cleaners and inhibitors when heating systems are installed in new and existing dwellings. There are no proposals to extend the guidance to non-domestic buildings, although we will consider any requests to do so as part of the analysis of the responses to the recent building regulations part L 2010 consultation. A summary of the responses will be published on the Department’s website in due course.