We all know of the tale of Nero fiddling while Rome burned - well this is the best analogy that I can think of to describe Prescott and the ODPM’s ‘cobbled’ consultation document for a proposed ‘Code for Sustainable Building’.
Like many, I’m insulted that he and his department have invited us to comment on such a shabby document. Rumour has it that even his hand-picked group of consultees brought in to advise on the creation of the code are deeply disappointed. I should think so too. At least WWF’s Paul King did the honourable thing and resigned.
Keith Hall: (12-03-06)
UPdate
The Consultation on the code for sustainable homes closed on 6th March and the BFF mag spring edition publishing date was the 10th March.
Just TWO days after the closing date for consultation the ODPM announced that they would 'strengthen' the criteria of the code (probably due to the vast amount of flack they had recieved). This 'so called strengthening' does go a little way to address a some of the points raised in my editorial and elsewhere in this issue.
However, regardless of this record turnaround time by the ODPM from consultation to announcement my belief is still that they are fiddling and are unlikely, with this code, at this stage, to gain support from the green building community, the housebuilders at large or the general public for this code.
I believe that Keith is right. The accumulating evidence that the Government is making it up as they go along is damming. There is no way that the consulation process could be responded to in just two days.
Beyond this one government department there are others that also have their policies that overlap and flatly contradict!
A simple example is that Ecohomes gives credits for working from home. But at the same time the Inland Revenue only allows £2 per week of business expenses (electricity, etc) for doing so and threatens capital gains tax on any dedicated space for business!
With government in-fighting there is little hope for coherant policies; One of the key roles for the proposed UK green building council may be to provide some clear guidance and a coherant structure. This is why it is so important to get the established building industry and deep green thinkers around the same table. They do not have to agree on how far to go, but it should be the same path.
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