Low Carbon Development

The built environment can be managed and developed to respond to the threat of climate change. This can be through the development of more energy efficient buildings through long-term strategic planning. In addition, fuel poverty will be addressed and energy bills reduced.

 

Low Carbon Development Theme

This theme looks at developing actions to reduce energy consumption in the construction materials, construction  and use of buildings within Reading and hence contribute to the UK legislative target to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.

The National targets set out so far are:

By 2020, reduce annual emissions by at least 37% of 1990 levels
By 2030, reduce annual emissions by at least 57% of 1990 levels
By 2050, reduce annual emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels

 

This chapter and associated action plan sets out measures to adapt Reading to low carbon development

 

Low Carbon Development Theme – Action Plan

Strategic priorities:

  • Buildings in Reading to be built to high standards of energy efficiency, incorporating on-site renewable energy where possible
  • Retrofit energy efficiency measures into Reading buildings
  • Improve properties to reduce fuel poverty in Reading
  • Build local business capacity to secure energy efficiency and renewable energy markets.
    Monitor and minimise the ‘embodied carbon’ incorporated into construction projects.
  • Continue to develop planning policies that:
    Support the reduction of green house gas emissions directly and indirectly from the borough  Reduce the risks of inevitable climate change to the communities of Reading

Progress