This from RTE News Online - Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has decided to set new stringent standards to compel developers to build more energy efficient buildings.
This variation of the development plan makes the council the first local authority with tighter energy regulations than national standards.
While Fingal has high-energy standards in certain Local Area Plans, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council is the first local authority to vary its development plan and apply such standards across the board.
AdvertisementInitiated by a Green Party Cllr, but backed unanimously by all parties, the new regime is radical.
From 1 January 2008, developers must now show how they will reduce CO2 emissions by 40% generated by energy use from space heating, cooling, water heating and lighting.
They must also show how 20% of space and water heating will come from renewable energy sources, like heat pumps and solar.
However the Irish Home Buillders Association said the council was jumping the gun as improved national standards were on the way and this would be preferable to having different local authority plans.
The council decided to press ahead after taking independent expert advice.
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