Making the workplace environmentally sustainable
Publication of new Building Bye-laws which will give Jersey, a signatory of the Kyoto agreement, a chance of meeting its legal obligation to reduce greenhouse gases have passed without much comment. Which is rather surprising.
The proposed new Bye-laws were published by Planning and Environment Minister Senator Freddie Cohen on 10 March and are now the subject of consultation. Media organisations, caught up with the challenge of covering storm damage on the south coast apparently failed to spot the link between a possible cause of the storms – changing weather patterns caused by climate change - and the new proposals to reduce Jersey’s CO2 emissions from buildings by between 20% and 28%.
Jersey law firm Viberts was a step ahead thanks to a working partnership with the Jersey Environment Forum. With some careful forward planning, they put on a conference for architects, planners, environmentalists, surveyors and building firms just two days after publication of the Bye-laws. Their purpose was to encourage discussion of the draft legislation and whether it went far enough and what others – apart from government – should do to safeguard Jersey’s environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Christopher Scholefield, a partner in the law firm and a respected commentator on Jersey’s architecture, said: ’In September 2007 a Public Consultation paper entitled Fuel for Thought was issued in Jersey spelling out what Al Gore would no doubt describe as some inconvenient truths, namely: Jersey uses more electricity per capita than the UK; Jersey uses far more heating oil per capita than the UK; Jersey uses more road fuel than you would expect; and, between 1990 and 2005, Jersey actually increased its total energy use by 26%. All that has been achieved in Jersey has come from the supply side, because our electricity is now supplied from France, rather than from oil-fired generators at La Collette. It’s time for the demand side and that means all of us to raise our game.’
To help conference delegates consider what was possible – rather than what was proposed – two speakers explained their work in the UK. Phillip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, explained how his organisation offered a free advisory and support service to address the damaging effects of climate change. The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organisation, funded both by government and the private sector. Its aim is to cut emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy.
The second UK speaker, architect David Gale, explained his work in producing environmentally-conscious design, His firm is recognised – an award winner – for innovation and quality. Designs are sympathetic with people’s needs, but mindful of the wider ecology. So the buildings they create consume the least possible energy, cause the lowest levels of pollution, and make the lightest possible environmental footprint.
Senator Cohen has made it clear that he expects new construction in Jersey to respond to the needs of the environment. In 2006, one half of Jersey’s carbon emissions came from buildings. He points out that Jersey is a jurisdiction with international contacts through the financial services sector and – as a global player – must face up to its global responsibilities.
He sees the new Bye-laws as a critical first step. Opening the Viberts conference, he said: ’I believe that we need to be going beyond this and our built environment should perform exceptionally.’ He points out that international firms in Jersey’s commercial sector will test the Island’s credentials by seeking environmentally sound buildings in which to locate their businesses.
The new Bye-laws will make serious demands on all new buildings, but especially commercial buildings. Domestic buildings will have to show a reduction of 20% on current CO2 emissions. For commercial buildings, or all buildings other than dwellings, the reduction in emissions must be even higher – up to 28% in some cases.
There is no doubt that performing the calculations required to satisfy the Minister and his building control staff will be something of an administrative headache – until everyone grows used to the new procedures. But it is clear this is necessary medicine if Jersey is not to be seen to be shirking its international obligation. And remember it’s not all bad news – buildings which need less heat and consume less power are cheaper to run. So the newly-defined energy rating required for all buildings in future might well become an important means of adding value to our developments.