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RAE calls for radical new approach to cutting carbon
21/01/10
Edited by Andy Jowett. The UK needs to urgently rethink its approach to cutting carbon emissions from buildings if the country is to have any hope of achieving its target of reduction CO2 output by 80 per cent by 2050, the Royal Academy of Engineers has warned.
A new report from the body said there needs to be a "dramatic increase" in green skills and energy awareness among builders, as well as the adoption of more "creative techniques" to improve the environmental performance of both commercial and residential property.
The RAE said before renewable power generation is "even considered", developers must ensure that buildings are as energy efficient as possible, otherwise the potential benefits of the technology will be "wasted" in offsetting unnecessary consumption.
It said a new discipline, building engineering physics, is needed to support architects and builders in maximising the use of natural resources and minimising the environmental impact of structures.
The RAE also called on the government to lead by example by publishing energy and carbon performance evaluations of new publicly-funded projects.
Dr Scott Steadman of the RAE said the UK needs to "go beyond the traditional solutions" if it wants to make substantial cuts in CO2.
According to government figures, around a quarter of Britain's carbon emissions come from residential property.
