Environment Conference

New building bye-law proposals will reduce carbon emissions and change the way we construct homes and offices

Viberts recently hosted a conference so that Jersey’s construction industry could discuss proposals to overhaul the Island’s Building Bye-laws directly with the Minister for Planning and Environment, Senator Freddie Cohen.

The Minister aims to conserve fuel and power and so reduce carbon emissions from dwellings by 20% and from other buildings – such as offices – by up to 28%.  To do this, all new buildings and alterations to existing buildings will have to demonstrate a carefully-calculated energy rating showing how the reduced carbon emissions will be achieved.

If the changes to the law are adopted, anyone planning building work will have to take significant steps to limit heat gains and losses and ensure energy efficiency.  Jersey will also have taken an important step towards meeting its legal obligations as a signatory of the Kyoto protocol on climate change.

To help our conference guests understand what is already being done elsewhere, we worked with the Jersey Environment Forum to invite two UK speakers to describe what might be possible in the Island. Phillip Sellwood described his work as chief executive of the UK Energy Saving Trust and architect David Gale described the schemes which consumes the least possible energy, cause the lowest levels of pollution and make the lightest possible environmental footprint. Both Phillip and David’s presentations can be viewed by clicking here.  This link http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk  takes you to the trust’s informative website and this link http://www.ecodesign.co.uk/ explains the philosophy and shows examples of David Gale’s work.

Viberts has a role in helping to shape local law and we hope that we can encourage as many people as possible to contribute to the discussion on the Bye-law proposals and on other steps which Jersey might take to fulfil its Kyoto obligations.  To participate in the Minister’s consultation (which expires 30 May), click here
http://www.gov.je/ChiefMinister/PublicConsultations/default.htm

Conservation of Fuel and Power Presentation

Low Environmental Impact Design Presentation

Welcome Speech