This Task Group has now produced their recommendations and findings.  The report, executive summary and appendices are available to download from the links below.  For further information on the report launch please visit the news page.

KEY TASK GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS:

 1. There should be a Code for Sustainable Buildings that covers all new and existing non-domestic buildings in the UK. 

2. The Code should be an overarching framework, which makes it easier for industry to understand policy and regulatory requirements and implement them effectively, throughout all stages of a building’s lifecycle.  

3. The Code should set out the trajectory and stretching targets for a zero carbon, sustainable built environment – including carbon, energy, waste and water performance. All new and existing buildings would have to undergo environmental impact performance checks - a kind of ‘building MOT’, at regular intervals throughout their life. Minimum standards would be progressively raised over time. 

4. The Code should be owned by government, but represent a shared vision with the industry. This will require collaborative working, both across the industry and in partnership with government. 

5. The Code should ensure consistency of approach between all policies, tools, guidance and initiatives. It should set the standards, metrics and targets that all sustainability tools should be aligned to and compliant with.

FINAL REPORT AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD:

The executive summary is available for download here

The full report is available for download here

The appendices to the final report are available in one PDF here

Alternatively you can download each appendix separately below:

Appendix 1 - Glossary (Please note this appendix is available at the end of the full report and not for separate download)

Appendix 2 - Value Literature Review

Appendix 3 - Policy and Regulatory Map

Appendix 4 - Workshop Summary

Appendix 5 - Consultation Document

Appendix 6 - Task Group Structure

Appendix 7 - Task Group Members

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Chancellor announced in the Budget 2008 that all new buildings should be zero carbon by 2019 (all public buildings by 2018, and schools by 2016) and Government has stated its intention to consult on this announcement over the Summer 2008 (June-September).  It is anticipated that this consultation will ask whether there is a need for a “code for sustainable buildings”, whether this should be a government or privately owned code, and what would be the key components of such a code.

The UK-GBC launched the Code for Sustainable Buildings Task Group in July 2008 to assess whether there remains a need for a ‘Code for Sustainable Buildings’ and if so, what form it should take.

The core Task Group was supported by 3 Working Groups (Technical, Policy Context, Value & Business Case). The group delivered their final report and recommendations at EcoBuild 09 on 4th March.

More related links:

List of all Task Group members: Click here
Consultation Document: Click here
Interviews and introductory video.
Press release: 14th July 2008.
Press release: 11th September 2008.
Press release: 4th March 2009.

If you have any questions on the Code for Sustainable Buildings Task Group, please contact Sarah Jeffcote Sarah.Jeffcote@ukgbc.org or Tel: 0207 580 0623.