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New planning process to help reduce Carbon EmissionsTuesday 28 March 2006 12:18Office of The Deputy Prime Minister (National) NEW MEASURES TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE A package of measures to increase carbon savings through the planning system and through the work of local authorities was announced today as part of the Government's Climate Change Programme Review. A new planning policy statement will set out how the Government expects participants in the planning process including local authorities and developers to work towards the reduction of carbon emissions in the location and design of new development. New best practice guidance will be provided by ODPM and DEFRA to help raise performance by local authorities on tackling climate change and promoting sustainable energy. In addition the post 2008 local government performance framework will focus on action on climate change to incentivise more authorities to reach the levels of the best. The Climate Change Programme review set out today an ambitious programme across Government to tackle climate change domestically and to secure agreement on action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. This week the Government also announced the creation of 'exemplar' developments in growth areas beginning with 10,000 new homes including shared equity units at a former MoD site at Northstowe in Cambridgeshire, which will include high eco-standards including micro-renewable technology. Local services and amenities will also be provided in a sustainable way. ODPM Minister for Communities and Local Government David Miliband said: "More sustainable housing has a vital role to play in tackling climate change which is why we have increased energy efficiency standards for new buildings by 40 per cent since 2002, setting further stretching standards through our Code for Sustainable Homes, and reviewing the sustainability of our existing stock. "The new measures announced today will also strengthen the role of planning policy and local government to make further carbon savings through better spatial planning and design, and ensuring that all local authorities are adopting the innovative approaches of those that are currently leading the way." The new measures build on existing work by ODPM to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development including: * Revised building regulations coming into force next month which combined with changes in 2002 deliver a 40 per cent increase in the energy efficiency standards of new buildings; * The Code for Sustainable Homes which sets higher standards for energy and water efficiency and will provide clear information and advice for householders on the sustainability and running costs of their homes; * The introduction of Energy Performance Certificates for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out to provide clear information on energy performance and advice on cost-effective improvements. * A review of measures to improve the sustainability of existing buildings to identify the role of possible further incentives, voluntary initiatives and regulations will be completed later this summer. * Continued action to upgrade the energy efficiency of social and rented homes and those in fuel poverty through the Warm Front and Decent Homes programmes. * A commitment to update building and water fitting regulations to make water efficiency savings in all new homes, and existing homes when they are refurbished. * Prioritising development on Brownfield land which as now at a record of 72% of all development and strengthening protection for the Green Belt. * Reviewing the implementation of planning policy to ensure that local authorities are taking sufficient action to promote on-site renewable technology. Notes to Editors: 1. The new measures announced today are part of the Government's Climate Change Review Programme. More information is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/ 2. The Local Authority best practice programme starting in 2006/07 will be delivered through the new local authority led Improvement Partnerships being set up in every region in conjunction with the 7 Sustainable Energy Beacons. The programme will aim to proactively benchmark the performance of local authorities on climate change and sustainable energy and target those who need the most help to raise their performance. 3. Further details of the new development at Northstowe are available at: http://www.englishpartnerships.co.uk/page.aspx?pointerID=12F86B2C86674758B82154FE1C95EEE3 4. ODPM aims to consult later in 2006 or early in 2007 on a new Planning Policy Statement setting out how it expects participants in the planning process to work towards the reduction of carbon emissions in the location, siting and design of new development. 5. ODPM will also introduce Energy Performance Certificates for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out to provide clear information on energy performance and advice on cost-effective improvements. We have already announced requirements for energy reports in Home Information Packs coming into effect in June 2007. Public Enquiries: 020 7944 4400 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Website: http://www.odpm.gov.uk |