Buildings and Design
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The future of planning in the UK
UK energy legislation has changed greatly over the last few years to reflect the country’s necessity to meet projected energy demands as well as carbon emission reduction targets. With the UK Energy Act 2008, the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Planning Act 2008 all now published, these important legislative changes indicate the country’s commitment to the UK’s 2006 Climate Change Programme, which sets a framework for domestic policy initiatives in the final years of the Kyoto agreement to 2012.
Low-carbon refurbishment of homes – a sustainable solution
With some 26 million homes in the UK, including seven million social housing properties, the widespread introduction of low-carbon refurbishment techniques could see millions of tonnes wiped off the country’s carbon footprint each year and hundreds of pounds off the average home’s fuel bill.
Low-carbon refurbishment goes mainstream
Nearly 30% of the UK’s CO2 emissions come from the country’s 26 million homes – with their demands for heating, lighting, hot water and electricity-hungry appliances. To reach the UK’s target of reducing carbon emissions by 60% by 2050 – or even 80%, as the target may have to be raised to – a significant reduction in emissions will have to come from housing. But how can we tackle the problem?