Research
Sustainability Policy
Sustainable Development Policy into Practice – New Buildings
This report describes progress in work by Scottish Government agencies and divisions to further the sustainable development of new buildings, both domestic and non-domestic. This work is a continuing, practical response to the Scottish Government’s sustainability policy introduced by Meeting the Needs in 2002, A partnership for a better Scotland in 2003, and Choosing our Future in 2005.
It is Scottish Government policy to continue to embed the principles of sustainable development in building regulations, planning policy, and procurement guidance, rather than expecting developers to adopt voluntary codes of practice.
The sustainability of new buildings in Scotland is already encouraged by current building regulations, planning policy and advice, and by procurement guidance for public buildings, social housing, schools, and healthcare buildings. Funding is already devoted to research, publications, and events in connection with sustainable development. Further improvements in the sustainability of new buildings should be achieved through forthcoming changes to regulations, policy, and guidance.
Amendments to the Technical Handbooks in support of Scottish Building Standards, will come into force May 2006. Further new requirements and guidance have been issued to consultation which would come into force in May 2007. Topics include:
- structural design of small timber frame buildings;
- air quality;
- biomass storage;
- inclusive environments;
- affordable adaptations of homes;
- energy performance;
- low and zero carbon technologies including renewables;
- limiting the waste of energy through thermal bridging and air infiltration;
- energy metering; and
- provision for drying washing.
A consultation is soon to be issued on the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
Planning advice notes (PANs) are due to be published this year:
- inclusive design; and
- micro renewables.
Sewerage regulations that require Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in specified conditions come into effect in April 2006.
Research is ongoing or about to be commissioned to support the review of other aspects of sustainable development, including climate change. This includes the review of building standards with regard to:
- protection of community buildings against fire;
- use of timber cladding;
- flood resilience;
- security;
- noise;
- storage and the size of rooms;
- design life;
- design for the disassembly of non-domestic buildings; and
- re-use of materials arising from demolition.
Presentation to Scottish Property Federation, Kilmartin Conference - 13 May 2008.
