Code for Sustainable Buildings to be developed by 2009

The UK Green Building Council (UK GBC) has begun talks to develop a Code for Sustainable Buildings.

The group will consult for six months on what kind of code developers and builders need to achieve the target for zero carbon buildings by 2019.

It is calling for industry-wide input into a consultation that will examine what sustainability standards should be included, how the code should be developed and implemented and how it will align internationally.

UK GBC chief executive Paul King will head the consultation task force that will consult with industry until February and present the final proposal in March 2009.

He said: “With the upcoming government consultation on zero carbon non-domestic buildings, this is an ideal moment to take stock and consider what kind of code and rating tools we need for the future.

“Industry needs a clear and practicable route map and milestones that are aligned with government policy to give it the confidence and knowledge to move forward on a trajectory to 2019.

“We also need to anticipate forthcoming European regulation in this area, and the growing demand from multi-national clients and developers for increased harmonisation between international tools.”