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.
So sceptical have I become of this particular branch of the government that I’m minded to believe that the ODPM will ignore any feedback that we offer and instead will railroad this proposal through and the UK will become the laughing stock of the green building world.
If this goes through, green building in the UK could suffer serious setback. The general public are likely to become sceptical because every new home built could easily be labelled a ‘sustainable home’. As John Garbutt eloquently points out, on page 7 “Housebuilders could quite legitimately claim that their houses are built sustainably without doing anything over and above the minimum requirements.” This would have serious implications for those of us who are building truly sustainable homes.
BFF carried out a straw poll regarding this consultation document and not one person that we talked to had anything positive to say about it. On pages 6 and 7 you can read more in-depth responses.
Oh well, Prescott has gone one up on Nero - he is fiddling while the ‘EARTH’ burns.

STOP PRESS. 10/03/2006
Obviously, following large numbers of protests at the consultation of the code, the government has made changes. See 'Stronger' Sustainable Homes Code Announced