01/02/2012
Green Deal Bulletin February 2012 – Special Edition
DCLG yesterday launched their consultation on changes to the Building Regulations regime. This includes a package of potential changes to support the Green Deal. In summary, this includes new requirements for additional ‘consequential’ energy efficiency improvements where work (such as an extension or replacement windows or boilers) is already planned to an existing building and Green Deal funding is available as an option to meet the up-front costs. Given DCLG estimate there are 200,000 extensions per year, 1.4 million boilers replacements and 1 million window replacements, this could be a significant demand driver for the Green Deal.
In detail the proposals are:
* From October 2012 (to coincide with the introduction of the Green Deal framework) DCLG are proposing that extensions and increases in habitable space (i.e. loft or integral garage conversions) in existing homes would trigger a requirement to carry out consequential energy efficiency improvements where these were technically, economically and functionally feasible.
* From April 2014, the same requirement in existing non-domestic buildings would come into effect.
* From April 2014 there is also the possibility of further regulation so that the replacement of a domestic boiler or the replacement of multiple domestic windows would also trigger a requirement for consequential improvements. This would be restricted to a set list of lower cost measures (e.g. draught proofing or loft insulation).
If you wish to consider responding to the consultation, the deadline for comments related to the Green Deal is 27 March 2012. Further information can be found on this link;
http://communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2077965
source: department of energy & climate change
Zero-Carbon Homes are a step closer today after new proposals were announced to cut carbon emissions in new and existing buildings by Communities Minister Andrew Stunell.
