Government set to cave in to developers' opposition to green energy?

Government set to cave in to developers' opposition to green energy

Green Councillors in Eastern Region say this would leave councils virtually powerless to require developers to provide renewable energy in building schemes.

The Guardian (20th August http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/aug/20/energy ) is reporting that the government may be preparing to axe a local authority policy which has been one of the few genuine drivers in the development of renewable energy in buildings.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is reportedly set to abolish the so-called Merton Rule*, under pressure from developers who are resisting having to add solar panels and other green initiatives to buildings.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper last year said the government wanted all local authorities to adopt a Merton Rule and Gordon Brown made announcements soon after taking office in support of low carbon or zero carbon homes.

Yet it is believed the government will soon publish a new draft planning policy statement which outlines the abolition of the rule.

Cllr. Rupert Read, Euro 2009 Lead Candidate for the Green Party, said:

"If this story it true, it shows that once again, the government appears to be caving in to big business interests instead of promoting solutions to climate change. Green Councillors in Eastern Region have been leading the way in trying to secure low carbon housing and other developments. Losing the Merton Rule would leave councils virtually powerless to require developers to provide renewable energy.

There is already a gulf between government and industry rhetoric on green building design, and the reality that the majority of new housing being built has inadequate insulation standards and without any form of renewable energy. It’s another reason why the UK is missing its climate change targets and why carbon dioxide emissions have risen under Labour. Other countries do require much higher standards - for every solar panel being installed in the UK, Japan and Germany each install over 100."

* The Merton Rule is named after the London borough that established it in 2003. It requires new developments over a threshold size to reduce carbon emissions by 10% through the use of renewables. More than 150 local authorities have introduced the Merton Rule or are set to do so.