Zero carbon non-domestic and allowable solution task group
In December 2006, the Labour government committed that from 2016 all new homes would be ‘zero carbon’. The Labour budget in 2008 then announced the government's intention that all new non-domestic buildings should also be zero carbon from 2019. This commitment was confirmed by the Coalition government in December 2010.
However, since then, there has been little progress towards the target for non-domestic buildings, or on the detail of the definition of 'zero carbon' for non-domestic buildings. As a consequence, in June 2015, the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) launched a zero-carbon non-domestic and allowable solution task group.
In ‘Steps to 2019’, the UK-GBC suggest that their members were keen to influence the trajectory to 2019 and highlight two opportunities:
- The development by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) of the allowable solutions for zero-carbon homes.
- Possible changes to Part L of the building regulations as a ‘stepping stone’ towards the zero-carbon target.
The report proposed creating a task group ‘…to mobilise the membership … and to ensure that the Government makes the most of these upcoming opportunities, bringing forward policy that is as ambitious as possible, whilst remaining deliverable.”
The task group is jointly chaired by Julian Sutherland (Atkins) and David Mason (senior sustainability manager at Skanska).
Mason said, “The Allowable Solutions framework will be vital to delivering the zero carbon buildings policies and it presents a huge opportunity for the industry to innovate and find new ways of delivering carbon savings in the built environment.”
Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UK-GBC, said, “Although the policy for non-domestic buildings remains under-developed, UK-GBC members are already pushing ahead. The overwhelming response we have had to this task group proves how many of our members are keen to start designing and delivering zero carbon new buildings, in view of the clear business benefits.”
The task group was expected to report in October/November 2015. However, on 10 July 2015, the government published ‘Fixing the foundations: creating a more prosperous nation’ a government plan for increasing Britain’s productivity. Amongst a great number of wide-ranging changes, the report states, 'The government does not intend to proceed with the zero carbon Allowable Solutions carbon offsetting scheme, or the proposed 2016 increase in on-site energy efficiency standards, but will keep energy efficiency standards under review, recognising that existing measures to increase energy efficiency of new buildings should be allowed time to become established.'
This announcement was made with no consultation and came as a surprise to much of the industry. Julie Hirigoyen said "It is short-sighted, unnecessary, retrograde and damaging to the house building industry, which has invested heavily in delivering energy-efficient homes".
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.