What is the new BS 3632:2023 standard?

The BS 3632:2023 standard is a British standard that specifies requirements for the manufacture of residential park homes for use as a permanent place of residence. The standard, which will supersede BS 3632:2015 (withdrawn on 30^th September 2024), was published by BSI and came into effect on 30^th September 2023.

The 2005 revision of the standard was aimed at ensuring that residential park homes are suitable as a permanent dwelling. The 2015 update reflected advances in technology and building techniques and included significant improvements to energy efficiency measures. These measures helped to reduce the environmental footprint of residential park homes.

The 2023 update has gone even further in considering technical direction as the UK strives for a more sustainable future. In addition, improved thermal transmittance through the external envelope structure, along with moisture control enhancements to help reduce risk of interstitial condensation.

The new standard is available to purchase here:

https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/residential-park-homes-specification-2?version=standard

How does BS 3632:2023 affect the design and compliance of new residential park homes?

The U Values of the floors, walls & roofs in the external envelope must have a better performance level than the previous BS 3632:2015 standard.

The new U-values required are:

To summarise, this means:

Roof U Values remain the same as in 2015’s standards at 0.2

Wall U values change by 0.05 from 0.35 to 0.3
Floor U Values change by 0.09 from 0.35 to 0.26 (floors should be exposed for calculations)

The standard states that the ‘average thermal transmittances (U-values) shall be calculated in accordance with BR 443 (N1). The external envelope structure (excluding any site-fixed underfloor skirting or any doors or windows) shall be not greater than:

0.26 W/m²K for floors;

(NOTE: For calculation purposes, the floor is considered exposed.)

0.3 W/m²K for walls; and

0.2 W/m²K for roofs.’

(BSI, BS 3632:2023, Section 4.2.3 – External Envelope Structure, page 16)

What is a U value?

A U value, also known as thermal transmittance, measures the thermal efficiency of the insulation material used for the external walls, floor, and roof. The higher performing the insulation material is, the thinner the material will be and the better the U Value will be. U values can be affected by the installation process and be significantly higher (worse) where there are cold bridges, gaps, or where it’s been fitted poorly.

Who is the authority that sets these Building Standards?

The British Standard Institute (BSI) is a body that defines the standards for businesses and products within Great Britain. BS 3632 addresses the design criteria that ensure residential park homes and lodges are required to meet to be deemed fit for purpose and meet the highest industry standards.

Why build your residential park homes BS 3632:2023?

Manufacturers who do not comply with the new standard will lose their competitive edge and sales could be affected. Those who do will be shouting it from the rooftops! Some forward-thinking park home manufacturers have already been trialling different solutions.

For park home manufacturers who are members of the National Caravan Council (NCC), you can participate in their Self Certification Scheme to ensure BS 3632 compliance. The NCC will verify each home and issue a manufacturer’s declaration of compliance certificate once the test and inspection summary has been reviewed.

Conclusion

In conclusion the new BS 3632:2023 standard, introduced on 30^th September 2023, has been put in place to ensure that new residential park homes standards are aligned to modern specifications around thermal efficiency, energy savings, creating an improved space and maintaining comfort level for residents all year round. These changes will improve the standard of living for residents whilst reducing energy consumption and running costs for both park owners and residential park homeowners.