The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has launched two new resources for developers and local authorities designed to help boost housing standards and improve social value outcomes.
The first resource takes the form of a Housing Standards Playbook – to support local authorities drive up the sustainability of new homes through policy.
The playbook urges local authorities to act consistently to:
• Set a standard for all new homes to be built to 19% improvements compared to current national minimum on carbon reduction
• Commit to a policy for all new homes to be net zero carbon in operation from 2030 at the latest
• Require developers to demonstrate they have acted to mitigate against overheating risk, and have acted to close the performance gap
The second resource, Social Value in New Development, is guidance for developers and local authorities to help deliver social value outcomes in new residential and commercial developments.
The guidance looks at social value, its stakeholders, strategies for driving positive outcomes and measuring success, and the current barriers to delivery. It provides a detailed overview of the outcomes and opportunities the consideration of social value in development can provide across three key areas: jobs and economic growth; health, wellbeing and the environment; and strength of community.
The resources were launched at a packed UKGBC event in Bristol (pictured), which brought together local authorities, developers and other industry stakeholders to discuss how to deliver better outcomes.
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC said: “Raising the bar on standards for new homes and tackling energy and climate change are fundamental to delivering the high-quality, efficient, and healthy new homes we need. Sustainable development can deliver a wide range of benefits not only to residents, but to communities and cities at large. This comes through boosting local economies and quality of life through activities such as: providing jobs and apprenticeships; upgrading social and community facilities; and driving health and wellbeing through the provision of nature and green space.”
