On the day when Sweett Group published a report demonstrating that implementing the highest standards of energy efficiency adds only 2% to the cost of a commercial building, the Welsh Assembly published a report on Wales’ progress towards the sustainability of the building stock.
In a report which will have the experts scratching their heads at the apparent negative impact which Welsh Government policy is having on the sector, the energy efficiency of new homes in Wales actually worsened from 2010 to 2013 – in contravention of pretty much every logical, economic and environmental driver for the sector.
However, it’s not all bad news; more recent figures (October to December 2013) showed a sudden increase in SAP rating, which gives some hope that future developments will improve their energy performance.
Describing the deterioration between 2010 and 2013 as ‘several wasted years’, RenewableUK Cymru’s Director, David Clubb said:
“The recent improvement in SAP rating for new houses is welcomed, but the downwards slump after 2010 is utterly baffling. A relentless focus on high energy efficiency is a win for everyone; it improves standards and skills for housebuilders, lowers bills for homeowners and lowers carbon emissions for everyone. We call on the Welsh Government to redouble their attention to this important sector, and to make the most of the opportunity to incentivise, empower and upskill our workers on building sites around Wales.”
