A poll by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) reveals opinions that the Green Investment Bank should be given a greater role in national infrastructure projects, and criticises the role of the planning system in lack of action or powers for acting on sustainable economy issues.<\/u><\/p>\n
IEMA writes:
\n<\/u>Two thirds of IEMA Members surveyed this week say that ultimately national needs must take priority where there is conflict between national and local built environment issues.<\/p>\n
From 646 Members polled, 65% say that while a balance is obviously needed, nationally significant infrastructure projects must take priority. Members also indicated that the Government\u2019s Green Investment Bank should have a greater role in taking forward such nationally significant infrastructure. 92% said that they want to see the role of the Green Investment Bank increased so that it has powers to appropriately borrow and invest in projects that both protect and improve the UK\u2019s natural capital.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, where there are prominent regional concerns, such as the recent peak in air pollution levels in the South East of England, IEMA Members say that these should not be left to Local Authorities alone; in fact 89% of respondents say that resolving the UK\u2019s poor air quality is a critical priority for the next Government. Making significant progress on improvements to air quality will benefit the environment as well as human health and well-being, as poor air quality is currently linked to 29,000 premature deaths each year.<\/p>\n
Three quarters of IEMA\u2019s respondents say that the current planning system is not equipped to aid the UK\u2019s much-needed transition to a sustainable economy. 75% said that the Planning System \u2013 including its legislation, policies and guidance \u2013 is not currently capable of playing the vital role necessary in order to achieve sustainable economy goals. Lack of action on this issue could threaten the UK\u2019s ability to implement infrastructure projects which harmonise with the need to protect the natural environment.<\/p>\n
IEMA\u2019s Policy Lead on planning and environmental impact Josh Fothergill said \u2018This poll very markedly shows that there is an opportunity for the incoming Government to take the bold decision needed to kick the UK\u2019s transition to a sustainable economy up a gear. In particular professionals using the Planning system indicate it must play an enhanced role in this transition.\u2019<\/p>\n
Other significant statistics from IEMA\u2019s poll include:<\/p>\n
IHBC newsblogs on housing<\/a><\/p>\n IHBC newsblogs on sustainability<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n View the news release<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A poll by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) reveals opinions that the Green Investment Bank should be given a greater role in national infrastructure projects, and criticises the role of the planning system in lack of action … Continue reading