New Planning Guidelines for Renewable Energy
Monday, July 16 2007
Scottish Borders Council has published new guidelines on energy saving and the use of renewable energy.
The guidelines set out higher standards for new developments and provide advice for homeowners who want to introduce energy-saving solutions and save cash in the long-term.
In an effort to address climate change, the Government set a target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by the year 2050, and of ensuring a supply of energy from local renewable resources. To reach this target, and support the aims of the finalised Scottish Borders Local Plan, Scottish Borders Council is asking developers and the public to give greater consideration to energy efficiency measures and the generation of local renewable energy.
Within the Scottish Borders all developments of 500 square metres or more are now required to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 15%. This can either be through energy efficiency measures such as insulation or through the production of on-site energy by using renewable energy systems such as small scale wind-turbines, solar panels, heat pumps or biomass boilers.
Developments of any scale also now require a statement on how energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems have been considered and incorporated into the development proposals.
The Council has recently published ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance on Renewable Energy’ which provides householders, developers and community groups with advice and information on how to meet these new requirements.
The guidance details how a number of different renewable energy technologies work at the domestic or ‘micro-renewables’ scale and aims to help people consider which may be appropriate for their circumstances. There are flow charts to guide readers through the options that would suit their home, as well as advice on energy efficiency measures and where to get more information.
As well as helping to address climate change, greater energy efficiency measures can save householders money on the cost of keeping their home at a comfortable temperature and providing adequate levels of lighting all year round. Some measures, such as loft insulation, can be incorporated at any time. Other measures such as the direction which a building faces, what it is made of, and where the windows are positioned can only be done at the point of design and construction.
By encouraging developers and householders to consider energy issues at the beginning of the planning process, the Council aims to ensure that all development across the Scottish Borders works towards achieving greater energy efficiency.
The Supplementary Planning Guidance for Renewable Energy is available on the SBC website at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/pdf/20328.pdf. The guidance is also available from the Council’s Area Offices or the Planning and Economic Development Section at Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells.
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