CIOB responds to heat and energy saving strategy

Monday, 11 May 2009 12:00 AM

In a submission to the Department's of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called for a combined approach towards buildings and energy generation.

Michael Brown CIOB Deputy Chief Executive said, "With 50% of CO2 emissions being apportioned directly to the buildings we live and work in, the built environment is in the front line in the battle to cut carbon dioxide emissions. Tackling the issue at source through the production of energy is vital for the construction industry."

The CIOB stated that a decrease in the national reliance of fossil fuels should run in tandem with improvements to the UK's building stock. This would enable the harvesting of combined beneficial results.

As part of the CIOB response it was felt that energy audits carried out by qualified professionals on a building-by-building basis (and the installation of smart meters) would enable homeowners, and businesses, to make an informed choice about the best alternatives for their building. The CIOB believes that displaying the practical affects of any energy efficient measures will be fundamental in gaining public engagement.

CIOB also calls for:-

· Improved financing options to attract the public and bring about changes on a large scale.
· Repayment linked with energy bills as the preferred incentive of those suggested and in the consultation.
· The Code for Sustainable Homes and a Code for Sustainable Buildings should work in harmony with any future direction that the Building Regulations take.
· Effective collaboration between energy providers and Local Authorities is required especially for the location of large scale district heating systems.
· A 'whole house' approach to the energy efficiency of buildings, an example being where improvements are made to the envelope of the building in addition to instillation of new technologies.
· The lifetime analysis of CO2 and energy use within larger projects such as district heating schemes.

For a full copy of the CIOB submission please go to http://www.ciob.org/about/ciobpolicies ">

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chartered Institute of BuildingThe Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century. Our 7 Guiding Principles

· Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
· Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
· Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
· Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.
· Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.
· Being socially responsible and working responsibly.
· Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.

We have over 40,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on 01344 630 766 - stownsend@ciob.org.uk.

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