33-UK-GBC Energy performance standards News 140807

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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