Cut emissions on new developments

Tonight there was a Planning Policy Panel on 'On-site renewables' - sadly rather poorly attended by councillors - it was, at last, a chance to discuss reducing CO2 emissions in new developments in the District - Stroud, if all goes well could have, in 6 months time, a rule to cut 10% of carbon on developments of around 10 houses - similar to the Merton Rule.

Photo: wind turbine, Lansdown Road, Stroud

About time too - the sad thing is that it looks like we can't go further as national government are setting the guidelines - some of those are good but some restrict us from pushing harder now. Infact many other Councils have been doing great things and encouraging renewables and carbon reductions - Woking, Kirklees, Milton Keynes, Croydon and many more.

Last week the new national Planning Policy Statement on climate change was announced by Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government - it gives welcomed new powers to local authorities and calls for all homes to be carbon-zero in 10 years time - already developers are crying it isn't possible - this is nonsense and the Government mustn't give in - infact if we are to tackle climate change they cannot give in.

However sadly 'giving in' looks like exactly what they have done over the new Code for Sustainable Homes - also announced last week - instead of being mandatory this Code is voluntary! This is little better than useless - the Code has some excellent ways forward but we know it wont be followed by many unless it is mandatory.

We have limited time to make the cuts in carbon dioxide emissions which are needed. As Friends of the Earth said in response to the announcements: "Carbon zero homes could be built now - so why wait ten years before insisting that builders construct them."