Milton Keynes leads the way on Climate Change

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Aug 2006

Milton Keynes is leading the way on the environment by setting zero carbon emission targets for most new buildings.

The ground-breaking planning initiative requires developers to build in such a way that there will be no increase in carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the energy used in the building(s), including space heating, hot water, cooking, lights and appliances.

Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for Environment and Localities, Douglas McCall said: "This initiative will minimise the impact of carbon dioxide emissions on the environment, and shows the Liberal Democrat administration's commitment to putting the environment at the heart of what we do. In an area of very high housing growth this initiative will make a real difference to carbon emissions."

All new developments exceeding five houses or those that incorporate over 1000 square metres of floor space to include the following:

• Energy efficiency by siting, design, layout and buildings' orientation to maximise sunlight and daylight, avoidance of overshadowing and passive ventilation systems.

• Grouped building forms in order to minimise external wall surface extent and exposure.

• Landscaping or planting design that optimises screening and improves individual buildings' thermal performance.

• Renewable energy technologies.

• Sustainable urban drainage systems including rainwater and waste water collection and recycling.

• Significant use of building materials that are sustainable or recycled.

• Waste reduction and recycling measures.

• Carbon neutrality or financial contributions to a carbon offset fund to enable carbon emissions to be offset elsewhere.

Planning applications for new developments also need to include an advance estimate of the expected carbon emissions. Where new buildings fail to meet the zero carbon targets, developers will make a one-off financial contribution of £200 to a carbon offset fund, for each tonne of carbon dioxide.

This fund will be used elsewhere in Milton Keynes to reduce carbon emissions, eg. by supporting energy saving measures in existing dwellings and to generate energy from renewable technologies.