NEW HOUSES, NEW ENERGY

Like Japan, the Brits realize big change can only happen fast enough to impact climate change soon through government leadership and initiative.

Green Energy Set To Be Compulsory In New Homes Across Britain
21 August 2007 (London Evening Standard)

WHO
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Housing minister Yvette Cooper, The British House Builders Federation (chairman Stewart Baseley),

The New Shire.

WHAT
A government “guidance” to be published later this year will obligate local governments to require all new home developments to generate renewable energy and obtain 50-100% of electricity from renewable sources.

WHEN
Prime Minister Brown’s announced goal is to make all new homes “zero-carbon” by 2016. He also wants Britain to obtain 20% of its electricity from renewables by 2020.

WHERE
Localities everywhere in England.

WHY
- The present Merton Rule (originated in the London borough of Merton and adopted by 150 localities) obligates town councils to require new commercial buildings to get 10% of electricity from renewables.
- The House Builders Federation has been fighting the extension of the Merton Rule to residences and wants a 10-year implementation plan to avoid confusion and increased costs.
- The renewables industry favors the “guidance” even more than carbon reduction initiatives.

Features of all fine new hobbit homes. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Whitehall Source: Prime Minister Brown’s government plans to “"widen, not abolish [the Merton Rule]…In some instances, we want to see councils going way beyond 10 per cent…The rule is not ours to abolish. We want a wider use of renewable energy, for housing as well as commercial buildings."
- Department of Communities and Local Government spokesman: "Councils will be required to deliver more ambitious carbon-saving measures and set tougher targets for renewable energy for new developments…"
- Tariq Ahmad, Merton council member for the environment: "We would strongly urge the Government to continue letting councils implement renewable energy policy at a local level."