2009: the sustainable year ahead

Consultation on the definition of zero carbon

What is it?
At every opportunity the government has repeated its commitment to making new buildings zero-carbon by 2016. It calls this a “demanding goal”; the industry calls it unworkable and expensive. With the UK Green Building Council’s help, the government issued a consultation document that suggested ways that housebuilders might reduce their carbon other than by installing turbines and solar panels, including buying credits for low-carbon appliances, retrofitting existing stock and investing in off-site clean power plants. In March, the government will publish responses to this consultation.

Why is it important?
Twice delayed, this consultation will allow housebuilders to set sail for the magic year of carbon-free living. Upon the definition hang the profit margins of housebuilders, the fortunes of renewable technology firms and, to an extent, the reputation of the UK as an agenda-setting nation in the fight against climate change.

What the experts say
“A successful consultation will help invigorate people to move towards zero carbon if the definition is more realistic. After all, currently there’s only five zero-carbon houses. This more realistic definition will pull industry together towards that goal. If we can come up with right solution – and it needs more thought – it will get industry on board.“ Andrew Eagles, Sustainable Homes

Energy saving consultation

What is it?
With the launch of the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) the government is finally answering industry calls to examine the energy efficiency of buildings and possibly provide incentives for the production of renewable heat. Details are vague as to what the consultation will actually cover, but a “medium-term successor” to encouraging energy firms to invest in home efficiency has been mooted.

Why is it important?
Pressure groups are very excited about this one. Giving heat a value would prevent so much of it disappearing up the chimneys of power stations and encourage waste-to-heat plants. The consultation will also hint at the government’s strategy of improving the existing stock, which it will have to do if it’s going to meet its target to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.

What the experts say
“Saving energy is the cheapest, swiftest and most publicly acceptable way of delivering all our energy policy goals. Investment in energy efficiency measures will increase next year. What other sustainability option gives such an excellent rate of return?” Andrew Warren, UK Association for the Conservation of Energy

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive II

What is it?
Just as we were starting to get used to the EPBD (2002), which has given rise to energy performance and display energy certificates, Part L and air-conditioning inspections, a new version of the legislation is due from the EU. The consultation closed last year. EPBD II might push for more stringent CO2 targets, a wider definition of public buildings (which need a DEC) and a broadening of the number of properties that will need to improve energy efficiency when they undergo “consequential improvement”.

Why is it important?
Europe is concerned that it was too free about what it let member states put in place and hopes it can retrofit some of the missing guidelines. For instance, are some public buildings getting off scot-free? Is there sufficient auditing of standards? Movement on EPBD II will also show that the EU’s sustainability agenda is not being derailed by the high carbon-using countries. Europe watchers are concerned that progress is faltering.

What the experts say
“EPBD II will show that Europe is continuing to take the lead on things. Currently, the developing world thinks that the West created the problems and has the cash to fix them. But they reason that if the West isn’t doing anything, why should anyone else? It will also set the agenda for the UK in 2010 onwards.” Bill Bordass, Useable Buildings Trust

Nuclear power stations

What is it?
EDF, which hopes to have the first of its four planned reactors up and running by 2017, will be the centre of attention after finalising its £12.5bn purchase of British Energy. French firm, Areva, now allied with Balfour Beatty, also opens an office in London this month.

Why is it important?
A blast from the past? Nuclear power remains controversial and delays in building stations in Finland and France could add business concerns to environmental worries.

What the experts say
“Many people are becoming nervous of nuclear, me included. Will this lead to the development of a new generation of Swampies?” Peter Rogers, Stanhope and UK Green Building Council

Development of the 2010 Parts F and L of the Building Regulations

What is it?
One of the few areas of regulation in which the government has provided the industry with a clear pathway. The incremental 25% reduction in carbon emissions will be carried out in tandem with Part F ventilation since the two are linked. The training and dissemination period means a consultation in 2009 for introduction next year is a “near certainty”, according to insiders.

Why is it important?
The Part L improvements are important because they provide minimum standards for airtightness as the industry moves towards the 2016 targets. Earlier Part L requirements have already led to an impressive leap in the quality of building.

What the experts say
“Although the construction industry is on its knees and higher standards will cost more, we have committed ourselves to an 80% greenhouse gas reductions. And as buildings must play their part, this move is logical.” Lynne Sullivan, executive director, sustainable design, Inbuilt and member of the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Committee

First budgetary report on meeting the Climate Change Act’s greenhouse gas emission targets

What is it?
In the next Budget, the government will have to state how it is measuring up to the greenhouse gas targets set out by the Lord Turner’s Climate Change Commission. It needs to be on track for a reduction of 175 million tonnes of CO2 by 2020 or a 42% cut compared with 1990 levels. It will have to state the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and state whether it has gone up or down. If it exceeds the carbon target, the government will have to issue a report setting out proposals and policies to show how it will bring the numbers back in line.

Why is it important?
Along with zero-carbon homes, the Climate Change Act is the other world-beating piece of legislation from the government. But will it also become mired in confusion? And, more importantly, what happens when the government breaks its own laws?

What the experts say
“The government has committed itself to introducing mandatory carbon disclosure for companies from 2012. This means UK corporations will have to be more transparent about their emissions. It should improve business behaviour and create an incentive to invest in low-carbon technologies that will also help move us to a low-carbon future.” Si McWhirter, One Planet Homes Campaign Manager, WWF

Energy performance certificates and display energy certificates become legally enforceable

What is it?
Measurement of the potential energy performance of all buildings and the actual energy usage of public buildings is the first step toward increasing carbon efficiency. Delays and half-hearted implementation have made something of a mockery of the process but on 4 January, all aspects of the legislation have to be enforced.

Why is it important?
Contacts report a flood of enquiries about energy assessments following the passing of this legal deadline. With EPCs now a requirement for anyone advertising a property for sale or rent, even buildings vacated through financial distress require the certificates. Is energy assessment a recession-proof job?

What the experts say
“This made it to the EU statute books exactly six years ago and its arrival now does not come a day too soon. The goal of a low-carbon built environment is quite clear now and we must ensure that we are one of the countries that succeeds in making it happen.” Jerry Percy, sustainability director, Gleeds

Original print headline - From nuclear to zero carbon: It’s a green year ahead