There have been a few big stories this week in the built environment world.Top of the list is the universal disappointment and anger expressed by industry professionals (from architects to contractors) at the Government's decision to scrap the proposed ‘consequential improvements’ clause in Part L2A of the Building Regulations, which would have forced homeowners building extensions to improve the energy efficiency of the rest of their property.
Quoted in Building magazine, David Strong (chief executive of sustainability consultants Inbuilt) said:
“To not even consult on this beggars belief. On the one hand you've got Ed Miliband committing the government to reducing carbon emissions by 80% together with the recent consultation on the existing stock saying how important it is to reduce emissions from existing buildings if the government is going to hit its targets.
"Yet they have decided not to consult on the single most important measure that could help them to do this”.
He added: “I think the reason they have dropped it is we are leading up to an election and the question is would it pass the Daily Mail test.” (I couldn't have put it better myself.)
Ironically enough, the launch of the Part L consultation document came on the same day that the government outlined its five-point plan on how the UK can reduce carbon emissions.
Pathetic and short-sighted doesn't even begin to cover it. This Labour Government doesn't care about Construction, and it doesn't care about cutting carbon emissions.
