Memorandum submitted by the Commission
for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)
1. The Commission for Architecture and the
Built Environment is the government's advisor on architecture,
urban design and public spaces. CABE is an Executive Non-Departmental
Public Body. It is funded by both the Department for Culture,
Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
(ODPM).
A: The Code for Sustainable Buildings
Can a voluntary Code possibly deliver the degree
of change needed in the building industry to achieve well-designed,
energy efficient sustainable buildings which have minimal impact
on the local environment?
2. There are clearly benefits for the building
industry in complying to a voluntary Code—principally, a
clear and effective process, which can speed up development and
make it more predictable and consistent for all concerned. However,
this can equally be achieved by legislation demanding compulsory
compliance, which would also have the additional advantage of
providing a level playing field for everyone—and would prevent
accusations that those who are complying voluntarily are suffering
more than their non-complying rivals. CABE does believe, however,
that a voluntary Code could assist the industry as well as helping
to achieve sustainable buildings.
Should the Government be introducing fiscal measures
to reward higher building quality and greater environmental performance?
3. One current example of a fiscal incentive
is Transform South Yorkshire's Delivering Design Quality initiative
(of which CABE is a supporting partner). DDQ offers practical
and financial support to house-builders and developers who are
committed to improving their design quality standards. The aim
is for all new housing developments to achieve "Building
for Life" standards and in return, home-builders will qualify
for access to the "Innovation Fund', a source of additional
funding. The scheme also encourages a better working relationship
between Local Authorities and Home Builders. Clearly, there is
scope for this sort of initiative to be extended throughout the
country.
B: Sustainable Communities: Homes for All
Does the ODPM Five Year Plan, Sustainable Communities:
Homes for All demonstrate a greater recognition of, and greater
commitment to tackling, the impact of increased house building
on the environment or does it merely pay lip service to it?
4. Yes it does, unquestionably—but
delivery remains the crucial issue. Design codes are a crucial
factor, as a potential method of detailed design guidance that
can help improve the quality of new development. CABE has been
working with ODPM and English Partnerships to evaluate the use
of design codes as a tool to accelerate the delivery of high quality
sustainable housing in schemes throughout the country including
in high pressure growth areas such as Ashford, and areas of renewal
such as Newcastle. Over the course of the past 18 months CABE
has facilitated enabling assistance to the seven coding pilots,
assisting the development partners draft codes that respond
to particular local conditions which in the future will improve
delivery of well designed neighbourhoods. Some of the codes have
incorporated rules for sustainability in use and construction.
C: LPS2020
The Government has consulted on the new construction
standard for dwellings (LPS2020). On the basis of that consultation
is it possible to determine whether the new standard will be a
positive force for change and add value to the construction process?
5. A significant amount of research is needed
by a design team to explore alternative systems, to investigate
mortgage and insurance issues, visit previous sites, talk to system
suppliers and many other issues. Additional funding is required
to cover these extra costs, and design consultants are often dependent
on either a visionary client, their own anticipation of future
trends, or economies of scale.
6. By providing a single and consistent
method of assessing the performance and design of new methods
of construction, the LPS2020 standard has the potential to save
time, money and effort in this process.
D: Infrastructure
Is there sufficient effort being made by the Government,
the Environment Agency and the water companies to educate people
about water efficiency?
7. Whilst some progress has been made on
this front, there is still a pressing need to promote water conservation,
with usage made much more transparent to the consumer. Water metering
is one possible solution.
8. Furthermore, research by CABE demonstrates
that home owners are increasingly concerned about the environmental
impact of house building. 87% of buyers want to know if their
homes are environmentally friendly, while 84% are willing to pay
2% extra on the purchase price for an Eco House.
9. However, CABE believes that the current
regulations used to designate an Eco Home are not stringent enough.
Indeed, the standards considered as "excellent" should
really be the minimum baseline for all new developments. In the
push for low carbon communities—which evidence suggests
consumers support—we need much tougher benchmarks than are
currently in place.
November 2005
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