Legislative Framework:

At the Kyoto Summit in 1997, the UK agreed to a 12.5 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2008 to 2012.

It is estimated that the construction and use of buildings is responsible for 50 percent of UK carbon emissions.

The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan
The plan aims to cut emissions from the power sector and heavy industry by 22% on 2008 levels by 2020
The transition plan will cut emissions from homes by 29% on 2008 levels
The plan aims to cut emissions 13% on 2008 levels by 2020 levels
The plan will cut farming and waste emissions by 6% on 2008 levels
The plan aims to cut emissions from domestic transport by 14% on 2008 levels, as set out in Low Carbon Transport: A Greener Future

UK Climate Change Act 2009
Two key aims of the Act:
to improve carbon management, helping the transition towards a low-carbon economy in the UK to demonstrate UK leadership internationally, signalling that we are committed to taking our share of responsibility for reducing global emissions in the context of developing negotiations on a post-2012 global agreement at Copenhagen in December 2009

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was established to advise the European Community on improving the energy performance of its buildings. It calls for a reduced level of carbon emissions for each new building built, and a reduced energy consumption from existing buildings when a conversion, extension or change of use is incorporated. In order to achieve this. Member states were required to implement the requirements of the EPBD by January 2009.

UK and Wales Legislation

Alongside the EPBD the UK government has introduced a whole raft of energy related legislation, setting ambitious, legally binding targets, taking powers to help meet those targets and strengthening the institutional framework to help meet the challenge of reducing the carbon output from buildings.

Wales is currently going even further with Welsh Assembly Government announcing in July 2010 the first steps on the path to zero carbon building through a series of even more ambitious targets being set and introduced from September 2010. This will give rise to many new challenges for anyone involved in the development of new buildings in Wales, through meeting the requirements and standards set by The Code for Sustainable Homes (CFSH) for dwellings, and BREEAM for non dwellings, in the design, construction and commissioning of buildings. The standards will need to be considered and incorporated in to new schemes right from the feasibility stage of a project, through the planning process, during construction and during the life of the building in use.

In the UK, major changes to our understanding of design, build and refurbishment with consideration to energy, environmental and water issues has resulted in changes to Building Regulations. The most prominent of these are the changes to Parts L (conservation of fuel and power), F (ventilation), G (sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency) and J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) which along with Part E (resistance to the passage of sound) will have a considerably impact on the way we design, build, power, heat , light and ventilate our buildings.

The latest version of Building Regulation Part L came into force on 1st October 2010.

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

This is a Mandatory emissions trading scheme for non-energy intensive organization's using more than 6000mWh/yr through HH meters.
Scheme focused in public and private sector not covered by EU ETS or CCA's

A few points to consider: