WIREDGOV

The Technical Advice Note 22 (TAN 22) Planning for Sustainable Buildings sets out the Assembly Government’s planning guidance to support the innovative planning policy published in 2009 which set a minimum standard for sustainability for most new buildings proposed in Wales.

For new homes this will:

• reduce their carbon emissions by more than 31 per cent compared to current building regulations through energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy
• reduce the consumption of water
• use more sustainable materials

Launching TAN 22 at the Greener Homes and Buildings Show in Builth Wells on 4th June, Ms Davidson said:

“Launching our technical advice on planning for sustainable buildings on the same day as we recognise the most sustainable buildings built in Wales over the past year is another demonstration of the move towards more sustainable and zero carbon buildings in Wales.

“The Assembly Government committed to protecting our environment for future generations and this guidance will help achieve through the planning system in Wales.

“Homes and other buildings account for 40 per cent of our total carbon emissions so clearly cutting this source of greenhouse gases will have a big impact in reducing our carbon footprint. We need to do all we can to make our homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly and TAN22 is an important part of our action.”

Housing proposals will be expected to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and non domestic buildings will be expected to meet the BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard as a minimum.

The publication of this technical advice note is just the latest Welsh Assembly Government action on using the planning system for the green agenda. This, alongside the devolution of building regulations will help move towards more sustainable and zero carbon buildings in Wales, contributing to the Assembly Governments targets to reduce emissions in devolved areas by 3 per cent from 2011.