A cross-border guide to sustainable construction has been produced by SmartEco Hub for the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (DoENI), looking at the uses of renewable technology and the practicalities of collaborative approaches between the public and private sectors, as well as a tool for Local Authorities to use for the planning decision making process.
The Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (DoENI) writes:
Cross border organisation, Smart Eco Hub has produced the ‘Sustainable Building Guide’ to assist and educate those in the construction industry.
Speaking at the launch, which saw representatives from local businesses, local government and the construction industry, North and South, Minister Durkan said: ‘I very much support the use of sustainable renewable technologies in new buildings. We have geared planning policy to help integrate renewable energy technology into the design, siting and layout of existing and new buildings.
‘This Guide demonstrates another good example of the benefits of collaboration between local authorities and the private sector. It has produced a practical document that can be applied in the planning and adaption of buildings in the North and South.
‘It is important that we continue to work together and share our experiences as well as exchange ideas that will support our wider understanding of issues that affect our environment.
‘There is money to be saved here as well. Sustainable building design can deliver buildings with lower running costs, an attribute that is highly attractive to both householders and businesses. The launch of the Sustainable Building Guide is appropriately timed with the recent transfer of the majority of planning powers from DOE to councils. It also coincides with the Department recently receiving a prestigious UK planning award for outstanding placemaking work in Northern Ireland for its ‘Living Places’ guide, which complements the Sustainable Buildings Guide.
‘This is an additional tool available to assist councils in their new roles as decision takers and plan makers in achieving good quality sustainable development through appropriately designed buildings.’
Find out more about SmartEco Hub and how to order a guide
