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| 27/07/2010 | Shopping Centres Can Help Deliver Low Carbon Homes, Says BCSC |
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| BCSC has today highlighted the role that shopping centres can play in reducing carbon emissions and delivering low carbon energy communities as part of mixed-use schemes.
Commenting on today’s announcement from Housing and Planning Minister Grant Shapps – which outlines details of the Government’s plan to support zero carbon homes - Philippa Latimer, Public Affairs Manager at BCSC, said: “the retail property industry wants to work with the Government as we progress towards the aspiration of delivering zero carbon homes by 2016 and non-domestic buildings by 2019. "Our members are already striving to reduce emissions, and they are completely up for the challenge that lies ahead. However, we would urge Government to view the two targets in conjunction. There is no such thing as an isolated housing estate or a stand alone commercial property development. The two go hand in hand. “As we move forward, we believe that it will be necessary to utilise Building Regulations as the main mechanism for driving sustainability advances in both homes and commercial property. We are strongly opposed to the use of the planning system as the driver of sustainability in the built environment as this can lead to an inconsistency between local planning authorities.” BCSC members are keen to ensure that Government recognises the value of a holistic approach to emissions reductions. Non-domestic buildings can achieve significant emissions saving goals in conjunction with other types of buildings, such as housing. Shopping centres are often the hub of low carbon energy communities in current mixed-use schemes. For example, shopping centres fortified with low carbon Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technologies are often the most effective way for domestic dwellings in a mixed-use scheme to meet their own low carbon objectives. BCSC is committed to supporting industry best practice to reduce carbon emissions. It launched its own Sustainability Charter in July 2008, which includes guidance and benchmarks for developers and landlords on energy, water and waste conservation. It also played a central role in the development and promotion of the Carbon Reduction Commitment guide for property firms and occupiers published in June of last year. |
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