House under construction

RICS view - Zero carbon development

13 March 2007
 

 
Relevance
UK

Last updated
13 March 2007

The issue
  • In the 2006 Pre-Budget Report, the Government made a commitment to ensure that all new homes would be zero carbon by 2016.
  • Buildings are responsible for around 40% of carbon emissions in the UK with residential property contributing 26% of all emissions.
  • Reducing carbon emissions in this area can have a significant impact on the overall aim of reducing carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.
RICS view
  • RICS believe that zero carbon development is a vital investment for our future and is something that is easily achievable with the right fiscal, regulatory and social inducements in place.
  • Much of the technology already exists and is available to build or retrofit completely carbon neutral homes but we believe that the right fiscal, physical and behavioural mechanisms need to be put in place ensure these changes take place.
  • One of the barriers standing in the way of zero carbon housing is the lack of a clear division between building regulations and the planning system. Currently there are high levels of duplication, bureaucracy and confusion between the systems.
  • RICS supports the introduction of a mandatory Code for Sustainable Homes and we would like to see an altered form introduced for all buildings
  • We welcome the Government’s commitment to continuously review the Building Regulations so that over time all homes meet the meet the energy efficiency standards set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes
  • The Government should introduce a national strategy for regulating emissions from buildings supported by the local promotion of renewable and low carbon energy supply which would assist in reducing carbon emissions
  • RICS believe that it is vital that there are national minimum standards to ensure a level benchmarking system.  Without this Planning Authorities would be able to set their own technical criteria and standards making any efficient assessment and comparison of carbon efficiency impossible.  Technical standards should be nationally uniform and should be changed gradually by Government in a move towards zero carbon levels.
RICS action
  • RICS has responded to the Communities and Local Government Consultation Building a greener future; Towards zero carbon development.
  • RICS research The City Climate Challenge for 2050 showed some of the changes that need to be made to energy supply, energy use and transport if our cities are to reduce their carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.
  • RICS gave evidence to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee on the built environment and energy issues as part of the Committee’s inquiry into climate change: the citizen’s agenda.
  • The RICS Green Value report shows that a clear link is beginning to emerge between the market value of a building and its green features.
What next?
  • RICS will be launching research looking at the changes that can be made to existing commercial buildings to make them more energy efficient.
  • A practice note will be launched shortly giving advice on how the issues raised in the report can become reality
  • RICS will continue to work with Government and a range of stakeholders to ensure that the built environment play a central role in the battle against climate change.
For further information contact RICS Public Affairs publicaffairs@rics.org

External Websites

RICS cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites

Word Downloads

Help with Word
Free guide on subsidence

Need advice on the DDA - see the RICS Register of Inclusive Environment Consultants

RICS helplines

Find a surveyor
Search for a firm
Find a Surveyor 
The Global Directory of RICS qualified individuals.