Greener homes – helping homeowners install renewable energy
The government is considering the way planning permission is sought in relation to the installation of renewable energy in private homes, it has emerged.
The aim is to simplify the process, making it easier for householders to install wind turbines, solar panels, ground or air source heat pumps.
By 2010, the government wants 10% of UK electricity to have been generated from renewable energy sources, rising to 20% by 2020. In order to achieve this, red tape must be reduced, and planning permission is one area which frequently causes delays for people wanting to change their energy resources. The Energy White Paper sets out the policy on renewable energy, with aspirations of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 60%, whilst maintaining reliable and competitive energy supplies.
From May 1st 2008, all new homes are to be rated on their ‘green credentials’, which will help house buyers to identify where they could make potential savings and to consider what sources of renewable energy would be the most suitable for their homes.
Named the Code for Sustainable Homes, the assessment involves measuring the sustainability of a new home with a star rating system of 1-6. Homes which excel in the assessment will be awarded the top grade of 6 stars. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use and replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
Director Chris Jones who managed the plumbing and heating installation of the Boklok Homes Development, commented: “By making newly built homes measurable in terms of zero carbon, it will be more straightforward to understand what aspects are sustainable and what requires improvement. Buyers will be able to see how green new homes are: not merely the emissions but water consumption and the impact on biodiversity. As the public become more knowledgeable on these issues, the demand for sustainable homes that have lower energy bills and have been constructed with less waste will rise.”
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