07 October 2015
The Planning and Environment Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, has published proposals to revise the building bye-laws to further improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
The proposed revisions to the bye-laws aim to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of homes and reduce the Island’s carbon emissions. The energy efficiency in all new buildings will increase by 30 per cent and better standards are being set for extensions and alterations to existing buildings.
Reviewed technical guidance has been published and a new energy performance calculator has been developed to help designers meet the new standards. Under the revised bye-laws, designers will need to improve the overall insulation and air tightness of new buildings and provide energy performance certificates for all newly constructed buildings. Householders will also benefit from being provided with better information on how to operate, control and maintain the heating, hot water and ventilations systems in their new homes.
Extensions
The proposals include making energy efficiency improvements to existing dwellings when extensions are planned. These include providing loft and wall insulation, fitting timing and temperature controls for heating systems, replacing inefficient lighting and fitting draft proofing where it’s cost effective to do so. The existing dwelling improvements will account for approximately 10 percent of the overall planned development costs and it is expected that they will provide the homeowner with a payback within 15 years.
Deputy Luce said “States Members approved ambitious targets in reducing carbon emissions when they agreed the Pathway 2050 energy plan for Jersey. My department is working on a number of different but complementary ways for Jersey to reduce its carbon emissions, and these revisions to the building bye-laws are an important part of that work.
“There are many benefits to improving the energy efficiency of new and existing homes. Those living in these homes will value the greater comfort and healthier home environment and will welcome a reduction in their energy bills. Lowering our carbon emissions will have a positive environmental impact and will help towards meeting our international environmental commitments. The changes will also benefit those businesses specialising in renewable energy and modern low carbon building methods.”
Link to the draft building bye-law regulations
Island residents can comment on the proposals until 30 November 2015.
gov.je