Elemental

The general flavour of reaction seems to be to welcome the CSH, but with many calls to address existing housing stock.

Friends of the Earth agree that the Code should be mandatory – I think it will be by April 2008.

Places for People believe it should apply to all housing.  I would agree in principle, but more research needs to be done to see what exactly is feasible.  Trying to enforce unachievable targets is a worse sin than doing nothing at all in my book.

Green Building Press have a good summary of reactions, including CPA (Construction Products Association) who expressed disappointment that it does not provide greater recognition for manufacturers and suppliers who have developed sustainable building materials (something I commented on here).  It will be taken on board if EcoPoints are used, but a new document is due, BRE Green Guide 2006. The Guide is due for electronic publication in January 2007 and replaces the Green Guide to Specification. Good quotation from Micheal Ankers of CPA:

“Improving the existing housing stock by 1% each year would save more energy than making the entire housing new build, zero carbon.”

Treehugger, a US green blog has also picked up on the story.

RIBA’s president Jack Pringle has welcomed the news, and again reiterates the need to look at the existing housing stock:

“Action targeted at new homes can only be the start, and still more needs to be done. The Government’s manifesto proposed a Code for Sustainable Buildings and I hope to see further steps by the Government to tackle the energy performance of existing building stock. The RIBA has put its weight behind challenging carbon reduction targets which we believe are vital. Today has seen a fine step forward by the Government but further action is needed if we are to design our way out of climate change.”

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