Ref: MB-027

Proposed Sustainable New Builds Measure

Pre-ballot Information

Mick Bates

Outline of proposed Measure

To require local authorities to prepare and implement strategies requiring new developments to use on-site renewable energy to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Policy Objectives of the Proposed Measure

At present buildings account for 46% of the UK’s energy use.  In Wales energy use in the domestic sector alone accounts for over 20% of total carbon dioxide emissions.  

As a result energy use in buildings is one of the largest contributors to climate change.  This figure will continue to rise unless we introduce a policy to drastically reduce carbon emissions from buildings to help combat climate change.  

This measure will require local authorities to develop and implement strategies that require all new developments, including homes in the public and private sectors, as well as public and Government buildings, to use on-site renewable energy to cut their carbon emissions and contribute to the sustainable development of the UK.

This measure falls within Matter 12.4 and as such is within the legislative competence of the National Assembly.

Support received

This measure is in line with the Welsh Assembly Government’s statutory commitment to Sustainable Development under the Government of Wales Act.

The Welsh Assembly Government has a target in the Microgeneration Action Plan 2007 to install 30,000 microheating and electricity units by 2012 and 300,000 such units by 2020.

Also on Tuesday 13th February 2007, the Welsh Assembly Government published a policy statement outlining a programme of action to tackle and deal with climate change.  This programme included achieving zero carbon levels for all new build by 2011.