Press Release: Environment 14 February 2006

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Dún Laoghaire, Environment and Justice Press Releases

Green Party welcomes Building Control Bill

 - but calls for greater action on energy efficiency in buildings

The Green Party has welcomed today’s publication of the Building Control Bill 2005. However it has called for more action by the Minister for the Environment in the area of energy efficiency.  

Green Party Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated:

“The Bill is long overdue and is welcome. However we want to see higher energy efficiency standards for new homes and buildings. We’re concerned that the UK already has much higher building standards for new homes. They already specify high-efficiency boilers for new homes. 

“We welcome the requirement for designers of large buildings to consider alternative energy systems for buildings that are more than 1000 square metres in area, but we feel that this should also be considered for smaller buildings. Climate Change is a reality and we need greater measures to encourage warmer and more efficient buildings. Over 75,000 new homes are being built every year. We should ensure that higher standards for insulation, heating and lighting are laid down in law. 

“Finally I welcome the proposal to register the titles of building professionals such as architect. It is important that those hiring a professional know that the individual that they have hired is recognised by the state."