A wide-ranging discussion
A consultation on a review of energy efficiency requirements and related areas of building regulation has been launched which includes a discussion document that examines developments elsewhere as a basis for potential progression. The Department of Finance is leading the consultation, providing detail of both clear next steps and more tentative longer-term proposals.
Preparing for significant changes
With high energy prices and the Department being mindful of their responsibility to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, all responses will help inform the way forward. Information included in the consultation documentation includes pre-consultation detail that outlines next steps on a range of inter-related areas, including:
- conservation of fuel and power
- ventilation
- mitigation of overheating in dwellings
- electric vehicle charging infrastructure to parking spaces at buildings
The consultation will help prepare for significant changes, including steps that would make conventional boilers using the highest carbon intensity fuels, such as home heating oil, unviable in most new buildings. The call for evidence explores expectations for low-carbon heating, such as heat-pumps or heat networks for new buildings and considers wider issues, such as embodied carbon in materials and background assumptions in assessment methodologies.
Providing input
Because of the breadth of the issues discussed in the consultation it is particularly important that the Department hears from as wide a range of respondents as possible, to minimise the potential for unintended consequences in any final proposals.
Propertymark will submit a response on behalf of members, and any thoughts and comments can be fed to our Policy Team on [email protected]. We also strongly encourage individuals and businesses to provide their views and expert perspectives.
The consultation closes on 15 November 2023.
