Green homes initiative 'a step in the right direction'

5 May 2009

The new national green standards for building in Wales [1], announced today by the Welsh Assembly Government, have been welcomed by a leading Welsh environmental group

Gordon James, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: "This is a very welcome step in the right direction and will help Wales achieve its aim of having all new buildings zero carbon from 2011, five years ahead of England.

"We are pleased with the emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. Scientific evidence shows that major cuts have to be made in these emissions if we are to avoid catastrophic consequences of climate change. The measures will also boost green jobs and help Wales take a lead role in developing a green economy.

"However, there is a need to do more to tackle the problem of carbon emissions from existing buildings. The low carbon housing strategy that Friends of the Earth commissioned from Oxford University just over a year ago [2] points out that around 80 per cent of the homes we will inhabit in 2050 are already standing today.

"Reducing emissions by improving energy efficiency in existing homes will also cut fuel bills, reduce fuel poverty, improve health and create many jobs. It's a win- win situation."

NOTES

1. From September 1^st 2009, new homes in Wales will:

reduce their carbon emissions by 31% compared to current building regulations;

reduce the consumption of water;

use more sustainable materials.

http://wales.gov.uk/news/latest/090507greenstandards/?lang=en

2. 'Home Truths - A Low Carbon Strategy to Reduce UK Housing Emissions by 80% by 2050' by Dr Brenda Boardman of Oxford University