Published: 15 November 2005
Increase Budget – Lower Carbon
The Government has recently announced a £30million funding, over three years, for the Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP), but questions are being asked as to whether the programme is being substantially under-funded and, therefore, in danger of failing to reach its objectives.
Dave Hampton CIOB sustainability spokesman and director of Carbon Coach Ltd said:
“This funding is welcome but represents £13m less than has been spent on the Clear Skies and Major Photovoltaics Demonstration programmes since 2002.
Why not add an extra zero or two on the budget; surely our children are worth it.
Establishing a low carbon built infrastructure is likely to be the best investment UK plc could ever make.
With the public becoming more aware of the massive indirect or 'external' costs of fossil fuel dependence - both the cost of the oil - and the costs of the CO2 emissions - the budget for schemes like this could justifiably be £3billion, not £30million.”
The CIOB is disappointed for the industry after two energy white papers which promised long-term funding for photovoltaics and other renewable technologies.
After all 50% of the UK carbon problem can be apportioned directly to the buildings we live and work in.
The LCBP initiative takes over from the current Department of Trade and Industry initial grants schemes, the Clear Skies and Major PV Demonstration programmes, which will end in March 2006.
At present it is proposed that the programme will operate for a 6-year period, beginning on April 1st 2006.
Some £1.5 million of the funding package will be brought forward to allow further funding for the two existing programmes, in order to help transition to the new programme.
As well as continuing to fund single installations the programme will focus on supporting large scale developments in the public and private sectors to act as exemplars and encourage further projects.
Potential community beneficiaries will include schools, leisure centres or even remote villages that are not connected to the grid, while other projects could include housing estates or business parks.
The focus on larger developments is designed to engage the construction sector more widely and to help push microgeneration products towards commercial viability.
This grant programme is just one part of the Government's strategy to promote microgeneration, which will aim to remove those barriers currently frustrating the development of a sustainable market for these products.
Further information
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Clear Skies
Solar Photovoltaic Major Demonstration Programme
DTI Renewal Energy website
Microgeneration
Energy Institute - A response to the DTI’s Microgeneration and Low Carbon Buildings consultation
Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy
Energy Efficiency: The Government's Plan for Action
Strategy for CHP to 2010
Sustainable Energy Policy Network (SEPN)
Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive (Parts L&F): Interim publications 2005
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
Low or Zero Carbon Energy Sources - Strategic Guide (Interim Publication)
To find a business you can trust, click on the related categories below: