Approved Document G
The first set of national building standards was introduced in 1965. The 'building regulations' establish standards that have to be achieved in the construction of buildings. They set out:
- What qualifies as ‘building work’ and so falls under the control of the regulations.
- What types of buildings are exempt.
- The notification procedures that must be followed when starting, carrying out, and completing building work.
- Requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction.
The 'approved documents' provide guidance for satisfying the requirements of the building regulations in common building situations.
Approved Document G (Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency) provides guidance on:
- G1: Cold water supply.
- G2: Water efficiency.
- G3: Hot water supply and systems.
- G4: Sanitary conveniences and washing facilities.
- G5: Bathrooms.
- G6: Food preparation areas.
- Appendix A: Water efficiency calculator for new dwellings.
- Appendix B: Wholesome water.
The 2015 edition of Approved Document G includes new water efficiency requirements and introduces an ‘optional’ standard of 110 litres/person/day where required by planning permission, and an alternative fittings-based approach to demonstrating compliance. It also includes a water-efficiency calculation methodology for new dwellings.
The 2015 edition replaced the amended 2010 edition on 1 October 2015. The amended 2010 edition will continue to apply to work started before 1 October 2015 or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Achieving sustainable clean water infrastructure for all.
- A guide to installing thermostatic mixing valves: what, why and how.
- Approved documents.
- Approved Document H.
- Bath.
- Bathroom definition.
- Blackwater.
- Building regulations.
- Earth closet.
- ECA Water Scheme.
- Greywater.
- Hot water.
- Hot water safety.
- Lavatory.
- Non-wholesome water.
- Passive water efficiency measures.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Sanitary accommodation.
- Sanitaryware.
- Shower.
- Sink.
- Types of sanitary appliances.
- Types of showers.
- Types of water.
- Urinal.
- Water closet.
- Water consumption.
- Water meter.
Featured articles and news
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.