New South west Housing Development is not fit for the 21st century argues Sustainability Champion
15/12/2006 10:52New government guidance released this week proposes implementing higher sustainable energy standards for new developments. Sustainability champion Sustainability South West stresses that leaders must now demand the highest standards for new development in Devon, and across the South West.
The new Code for Sustainable Homes was announced this week by Local Government Secretary, Ruth Kelly, who acknowledged the need for zero-carbon homes in helping to shape a low carbon future. Sustainability South West, an independent charity and the South West of England’s champion for sustainable development, welcomes the guidance and challenges local leaders to now demand only the highest energy standards for its new communities. The charity will be watching to see whether up and coming planning decisions like that on the 2,900 home new town at Cranbrook, East of Exeter, which currently does not meet these standards, will still be approved.
Leslie Watson, Director of Sustainability South West, explained, “Our communities deserve developments that are fit for the 21st Century. Genuinely sustainable communities must be supported by sustainable energy that reduces energy demand, maximizes efficiency and generates renewable energy on site. As the fastest growing UK region we need to respond to the looming increase in energy prices and insecurity of supply whilst playing our part in reducing the rate of climate change. New standards will improve housing affordability by significantly reducing energy costs and more innovative building techniques will offer new business opportunities, training and jobs. Leaders must demand higher energy standards for new developments in the South West.”
One of Sustainability South West’s key partnership projects, Future Foundations, promotes sustainable construction across the region. Richard Cresswell, Chair of Future Foundations said, “Forward looking local authorities and businesses have signed up to the Future Foundations Charter and are keen to reap the benefits of the fast moving sustainability agenda. Local authorities are responsible for the social, economic and environmental well-being of their communities. Adopting the highest standards of sustainable construction will deliver on all of these fronts. The decision on the new development at Cranbrook in Devon next week will send an important signal about whether we will act to build a more sustainable future – or not?”
Future Foundations promotes good practice from around the region and is aware of many innovative schemes including developments in Sherford, Devon; Carrick housing association, Cornwall; the Rural Zed initiative Cornwall; Great Bow Yard, Langport, Somerset, Barnes Crescent, Wimbourne, East Dorset housing association and the Genesis centre for sustainable construction learning and skills.
© 2007 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.