British Property Federation supports Government plans to scrap ‘Merton rule’

The British Property Federation has backed Government plants to scrap the ‘Merton rule’, which requires a building to generate 10 to 20% of its energy through onsite renewables, on the basis that investing in inefficient onsite renewable-energy sources is simply not the best way to reduce carbon emissions. Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF, said, ‘Redirecting the financial investment required to deliver these targets for onsite renewables to the buildings themselves and the services in them, such as boilers, would increase their energy efficiency. It would deliver better energy savings and also allow buildings, both old and new, to benefit from larger-scale renewable energy generated much more efficiently. This will ultimately save significantly more CO2 than the blinkered approach encouraged by the Merton rule.’ She believes that before looking at where buildings get energy from, it is essential to reduce how much they use. ‘If the only method we use to measure green credentials is how much renewable energy we use, then it means we could leave the heating full on with windows wide open, keep computers on all night and lights on at weekends — but power it with 10% renewables, and we could still call ourselves green.’ A meeting with the Government last month was described as ‘extremely productive’. Liz Peace concluded. We would like to reiterate that the property industry is committed to achieving green targets, but that investing in inefficient on-site renewables is simply not always the best way to do this.’ Although the ‘Merton rule’ requires that technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines to be attached to buildings to meet 10% of their energy requirements, that target has not been met in many urban and sub-urban locations. Research published recently by South Bank University shows that new developments obtain only 5% of energy from renewable sources on site.
Related links:



modbs tv logo

New Sustainability Director for Wates Group

Wates Group, a family-owned development, building and property maintenance company, has appointed Cressida Curtis as its new Group Sustainability Director.

Domus Ventilation appoints new contractor sales managers

Ventilation systems manufacturer Domus Ventilation has announced the arrival of three new Contractor Sales Managers.