Views sought on energy efficiency and related areas of the Building Regulations
Views sought on energy efficiency and related areas of the Building ... Department of Finance
sdgtalks
The Department of Finance Launches Consultation on Energy Efficiency Requirements in Building Regulations
Introduction
The Department of Finance has launched a consultation discussion document on the energy efficiency requirements and other related areas of the Building Regulations, such as ventilation, overheating risks in dwellings, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at buildings.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The potential changes discussed in the consultation would support the 2021 Energy Strategy – ‘The Path to Net Zero Energy’ which aims to significantly improve the energy and emissions performance of new homes and buildings. These changes align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Proposed Changes
Options in the discussion document include potential next steps which could make conventional oil boilers unsuitable in most new builds, due to their emissions, and moves towards low-carbon heating solutions. The consultation also considers improved fabric standards and renewables in buildings, as well as reviewing wider issues, such as embodied carbon in materials and the assumptions used in building energy assessments.
Consultation Details
The consultation period runs until 15 November 2023. Feedback is welcome and can be made via Citizen Space. The consultation can be accessed here.
Awareness Events
Details of awareness events will be published on the consultation webpage in due course.
Next Steps
A further consultation, accompanied by proposed regulations, Technical Booklet guidance, and impact assessments, will be carried out prior to the introduction of any changes.
Notes to Editors:
- The Energy Strategy, The Path to Net Zero Energy, is available at here.
- Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Finance Press Office on Tel: 028 9081 6724 or email dof.pressoffice@finance-ni.gov.uk.
- To keep up to date with news from the Department you can follow us on the following social media channels:
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
Share this page
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses potential changes in building regulations to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in new homes and buildings. This aligns with SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also connects to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article mentions considerations of embodied carbon in materials, which relates to SDG 13’s target of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. Lastly, the focus on improving fabric standards and renewables in buildings aligns with SDG 15’s target of sustainable management and protection of land resources.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests
The article mentions moves towards low-carbon heating solutions and renewables in buildings, which align with SDG 7.2’s target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The focus on improving fabric standards and considering embodied carbon in materials contributes to SDG 11.6’s target of reducing the environmental impact of cities. The integration of climate change measures in building regulations relates to SDG 13.2’s target. Lastly, the consideration of sustainable management of land resources connects to SDG 15.2’s target.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Share of renewable energy in the energy mix
- Reduction in emissions from buildings
- Reduction in embodied carbon in materials
- Increased use of sustainable management practices in land resources
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, progress towards the identified targets can be measured using indicators such as the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, reduction in emissions from buildings, reduction in embodied carbon in materials used in construction, and increased use of sustainable management practices in land resources.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (7.2) | Share of renewable energy in the energy mix |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Reduce the environmental impact of cities (11.6) | Reduction in emissions from buildings |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2) | Reduction in embodied carbon in materials |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests (15.2) | Increased use of sustainable management practices in land resources |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: finance-ni.gov.uk
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
