UK-GBC - Takes lead role in developing Roadmap to zero carbon
for new non-domestic buildings
The UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) is leading a project on
behalf of DCLG to investigate the costs and benefits of raising the
energy performance standards in new non-domestic buildings above
current Building Regulations to drastically cut carbon emissions.
Paul King Chief Executive of the UK-GBC said:
“Government is looking at a possible requirement for zero carbon new
non-domestic buildings within the next 10 to 15 years. We believe
that with the right engagement and leadership from industry now,
this could be achieved within 10.
“This initiative demonstrates what the UK-GBC is all about. We are
committed to radical change – the only acceptable response to the
growing weight of scientific evidence around climate change. We
share the Government’s desire to set bold targets for reductions in
carbon emissions, but we also believe that the industry needs
flexibility in terms of how the targets are met. Clear and
consistent targets will encourage investment in new approaches and
technologies, whereas over-prescriptive policy-making can have
unintended consequences and can stifle innovation.”
The project findings, to be delivered in October, will feed into the
DCLG-led Green Commercial Building Task Group and inform the
development of proposals for a roadmap to zero carbon.
A number of UK-GBC’s most relevant members from across the industry
will be involved including: Arup, Atelier Ten, BRE, Fulcrum
Consulting, Land Securities and University College London.
Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, said:
“This Government is committed to bringing forward changes that will
allow us to tackle the growing challenge we face in climate change.
“This research will be crucial to working out how we can support the
business world to do its bit, as we move to a zero-carbon culture.
“Whether it is your local supermarket, pub or the place where you
work, green technology could soon be playing a big role in powering
the building, whilst cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills too.”
Members possess impressive portfolios, both in terms of the
buildings they have researched and designed, and buildings they own
or operate, and the UK-GBC will draw on this pre-existing wealth of
knowledge throughout the project development.
Together, the UK-GBC members will set the vision for zero carbon by
developing a series of example ‘typical building’ energy ratings.
Members will be considering both the energy rating of the fabric of
the building – covered by Part L of the Building Regulations, and
the energy consumption profile relating to its use, and then
developing a way to draw them together to deliver a new energy
rating for the entire building.
The project will also explore the assumptions around the definition
of ‘zero carbon’ for new non-domestic buildings and make it as
consistent as possible with the definition within the Code for
Sustainable Homes.
Email: Susie.Hartley@mission-21.com
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
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Energy
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