Local authorities could use their planning powers to encourage builders to incorporate renewable energy on housing developments, says the Solar Trade Association…
There is little doubt the energy efficiency sector has suffered significantly due to cuts and changes made to government policy. The death of the Zero Carbon Homes scheme last summer was a major blow for the sector, which has struggled to find its footing since.
Earlier this month green building experts warned the latest government regulatory review of the housing sector could lead to more green policies being scrapped. John Alker, campaign and policy director at the UK Green Building Council said the review was structured in such a way it was impossible to raise concerns or defend decent regulations.
Speaking at the time he said: “Has there ever been a consultation or review that is more pre-determined?
“It’s not called the ‘Review of Housebuilding Regulations’, it is called the Cutting Red Tape Review.”
In response to the review, the Solar Trade Association (STA) has now set out its stance. It is calling for the government to implement a clear and ambitious regulatory roadmap for sustainable standards in new builds.
One of the key issues the STA flagged was the government’s ambition to build as many new homes as quickly as possible. The STA warned that rushed building projects could lower standards. This would lock properties into producing higher carbon emissions, creating higher energy bills for the future lifespan of that building. Increasing standards will decrease emissions. The STA said there was little evidence to suggest incorporating energy efficiency measures would prevent the industry from building new homes quickly.
The STA also drew attention to the absence of suitable standards within national building regulations relating to energy efficiency. The organisation called on local authorities to use their planning powers to encourage house builders to incorporate on-site renewable energy such as solar panels.
STA’s head of policy Mike Landy said: “The scrapping of Zero Carbon Homes policy in July 2015 was one of the most incomprehensible acts of the new government, given that we were nine years into a ten year plan that hundreds of companies were working towards.
“It has left a policy vacuum and the government has yet to explain the rationale for its decision.
“Solar energy is perfectly suited to new build and ought to become a standard feature on new housing.
“The 70 per cent cost reductions since 2010 means that any additional build costs can be recouped within years through lower energy bills – builders need to work with surveyors, estate agents and mortgage lenders to ensure these benefits are recognised.
“Local authorities have a responsibility to help achieve the 80 per cent carbon emission reduction required by the Climate Change Act.
“We encourage them to use their planning powers to require house builders to use solar energy as a highly effective and cost-effective way of contributing to that goal.”