Government proposals for improving energy efficiency in buildings show signs of ambition, but regulations need modifications, says Julie Godefroy
Category: Opinion
Rewriting the rules for housing
Government is consulting on a number of building-related issues addressing safety and climate change, while the Queen’s Speech hints at future legislation supporting Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations, says Hywel Davies
Passivhaus rules
City of York Council is the latest local authority to strive for Passivhaus housing. Leda’s Jim Wild explains why the methodology is gaining traction
The fallacy of permitted development rights
While a raft of new policies have been announced, an existing one – PDRs – has led to failures in health, safety and sustainability, says Julie Godefroy
The policy clues
There has been a flurry of recommendations about the future for heating, cooling and energy efficiency in our buildings. Hywel Davies considers how they might influence the review of Parts L and F of the Building Regulations
Nearer to zero
With most of the 2050 building stock already in place, Hywel Davies considers what the net-zero carbon UK emissions target might mean in practice
Preparing the road to zero carbon buildings
Andy Stanton explains how Atkins is putting sustainable design into practice, after signing up to the environmental ‘Declare’ commitment
Walk the talk
The government has legislated that the UK will be zero carbon by 2050 – so what is it doing to achieve this for its own estate and activities? Julie Godefroy explains
Building to perform
Pressure is growing to make our existing building stock much more energy efficient, to guard against overheating, and to deliver buildings that are safe and really work in daily use, as Hywel Davies explains
Rewriting the rulebook on fire responsibilities
SCA’s Ian Doncaster discusses the impact the government’s consultation on fire safety may have on the industry