Welsh Government has highlighted the role of CEW and says that the construction industry is working well towards making the country’s building stock more sustainable under the provisions of the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004.

This week Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Housing and Regeneration, published the first Welsh specific report that highlights the progress towards sustainability of the country’s building stock under the provisions of the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004. It is a long and politically worded document, but the good news is that our industry is moving steadily closer to achieving the targets set by Government.

Since the Act was introduced there have been changes to the Building Regulations. Carl Sargeant’s report covers recent changes made to Building Regulations and their expected impact, plans for future legislation, and proposals for the setting of targets in relation to sustainable buildings. The Report also covers changes in the energy and carbon efficiency of the building stock, the extent to which buildings have their own facilities for generating energy, and the recycling and reuse of construction materials over the period.

Following the period covered by the report, the Welsh Government has introduced changes to Building Regulations Part L. These changes include a target of 8% improvement in the energy efficiency of new homes and a 20% improvement for non-domestic buildings (compared to 2010 standards). There have also been changes to the way that existing buildings are treated. The introduction of ‘Consequential Improvements’ will require homeowners to undertake simple but cost effective mitigation measures whenever they undertake extensions or integrated conversions.

The key facts that stand out are these: the average energy efficiency rating for new homes has increased since 2009, while carbon dioxide emissions associated with the domestic sector have fallen by 1.2 million tonnes (15%) since 2008.

It’s good news, but there is still a lot of work to be done. What’s reassuring is that we are on track to building a more sustainable Wales and what’s more, we are doing it by pursuing best practice. What is really pleasing is that the Minister has acknowledged the role of CEW and our stakeholders. So well done everyone!

Downlard: Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004