Allow
More info
How energy will be used within new developments should be considered at the earliest stages of design. According to the carbon trust, 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions can be attributed to buildings. Energy consumption contributes to the greenhouse effect, resource depletion and negative environmental effects from processing and transportation.
Reducing the overall use of energy within developments and generating on-site renewable forms of energy to mitigate carbon emissions can have a considerable impact on both climate change and cost savings.
Energy Efficiency
A wide range of measures from passive solar design to good insulation can be used to reduce energy demand in new developments.
The Code for Sustainable Homes 
sets minimum standards for Building Regulations concerning energy efficiency. This includes a target that all new homes from 2016 onwards must be built to Zero Carbon standards. This will be achieved through a step-by-step tightening of the Building Regulations.
sets minimum standards for Building Regulations concerning energy efficiency. This includes a target that all new homes from 2016 onwards must be built to Zero Carbon standards. This will be achieved through a step-by-step tightening of the Building Regulations.On-site Renewables
On-site generation of clean, renewable energy is something which is becoming increasingly more feasible for developers. There are now many grants and subsidies available to homeowners and developers for on-site generation of renewable technologies (e.g. wind turbines, solar panels, biomass boilers)
Further Information
Further information concerning the sustainable use of energy within new developments might be sought from the following:
- Energy Saving Trust - advice on energy saving, primarily aimed at householders
- Carbon Trust - advice on energy saving and on-site generation of renewable energy aimed at businesses and the public sector
- Regen South West - information regarding on-site renewable energy technologies and list of grants available
- Low Carbon Buildings (Login required) - for a list of grants available to property owners for on-site renewable energy devices
- Sustainable Build: Energy Sources - for advice and ideas for creative energy saving methods and technologies
Related Websites
- Carbon Trust
- Energy Saving Trust
- Low Carbon Buildings (Login required)
- Regen South West
- Sustainable Build: Energy Sources
- Zero Carbon Hub
Contact Environmental Policy & Sustainability
- Tel: 01803 207751
- Email: sustainability@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 208882
