Action on Climate Change in Wales

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Published: 20 February 2007

Action on Climate Change in Wales

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has outlined a programme of action to tackle and deal with climate change, including achieving zero carbon levels for all new buildings by 2011.

In a statement to the National Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan outlined the steps which will be taken over the next few months aimed at putting Wales in the forefront of action to address climate change.

The first steps are measures to cut carbon emissions from new buildings in Wales which were outlined by Environment Minister Carwyn Jones.

These include a requirement that all new buildings funded by the Welsh Assembly Government must be built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard - the highest level of environmental performance for a new building - with this becoming a core condition of new projects and programmes within 6 months.

This will mark the first step towards achieving zero carbon for all new buildings in Wales, which the Assembly Governments wants to see happen from 2011, the end of the next Assembly term.

The First Minister said:

“Climate change poses a huge challenge for Wales and the world. Warm words and hand-wringing will not solve the problem but action will.

An effective response will require concerted action by government, the private, public and voluntary sectors and active participation from communities and individual citizens.

It is not simply an environmental problem, it has profound implications for the economy and the wellbeing of people here in Wales, and across the world.

It is a challenge we cannot ignore. This isn’t going to go away. We can and must take action.

Carwyn Jones said:

“Cutting emissions from buildings is key in our drive to tackle climate change, as buildings account for about half of our emissions.

I want all new buildings in Wales to be zero carbon from 2011. Laying down this goal now gives us a clear direction in which to step up the journey to zero emissions.

As a first step towards this I intend setting BREEAM ‘Excellent’* as a core condition of funding for all Assembly Government funding, grants, investments, joint ventures and land disposals which involve new buildings.

The effect of this should not be underestimated given the level of Assembly Government spend. It will also be an example for the private sector to follow.

We are also opening discussions with the UK Government on the devolution of the Building Regulations which would allow us to set out a standard framework, including zero carbon, for all buildings, whatever their source of funding, which is tailor made for Wales.

Once these regulations are devolved it will allow us to move further and faster on achieving zero carbon on all new buildings in Wales

Further steps on climate change to be taken over the next few months include:

· Climate change is a key consideration for the new Convergence Programme and a specific strategic framework on climate change is being developed.

· Consultation on ‘Responding to our Changing Climate’ to be launched this week which deals with the impacts of unavoidable climate change as a result of previous emissions.

· Publication by the Enterprise, Innovation and Networks Minister of a practical guide to making more sustainable travel choices, ‘Smarter Choices’

· Publication of the Wales Energy Routemap, which will set out how we should transform Wales into an exemplar competitive low carbon energy economy

Steps already taken in Wales to combat climate change include:

· The Assembly Government currently obtains approximately 90% of its supplies from renewable sources. It is looking to make this 100% by 2010.

· Installations in Wales are part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which is a cap and trade scheme that aims to reduce emissions from large emitters across the UK.

· The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme has helped over 64,000 households since 2000. This year, £19.6m is being spent on the Scheme.

· Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust provide invaluable advice to individuals, businesses and the public sector on reducing their carbon footprint and saving money.

· NHS Wales has introduced a central energy fund for energy efficient capital investment. A total sum of £3.1m has been allocated to NHS Trusts in Wales.

· A two-year contract is in place for the supply of 100% green energy for all Assembly street lighting.

Further information

Responding to Our Changing Climate

WAG – Climate Change

Environment Strategy for Wales

BREEAM

BRE: Wales

‘Smarter Choices’

Wales Energy Routemap

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Carbon Trust

Energy Saving Trust