A Sustainable Built Environment for Wales

Summary of initial session with the leadership group

The SDC, in partnership with the Design Commission for Wales, has been commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government to look at the key policy interventions and provide a roadmap to enable all new buildings to become zero carbon, as well as how the built environment can contribute to Wales� target of 3% annual reduction in carbon emissions.

At the first meeting, it was decided that the remit of the group would be outlined as follows.

The aim of the work would be to:

� develop advice and recommendations for the Welsh Assembly Government, framed around its aspiration for all new buildings to be zero carbon by 2011 and its target for 3% annual reductions in CO2 as outlined in One Wales.

� identify areas and a roadmap for progress on which the Welsh Assembly Government can deliver, examining and recognising the principal barriers, and identifying opportunities, policy options, incentives and measures for overcoming these.

� create a leadership network of key stakeholders from the private, public and voluntary sector

Possible areas for progress/exploration:

� Mapping of best practice already in existence, potentially across Wales, UK, EU and Internationally, and how it could/should be applied in the Welsh context

� An action plan to facilitate key policies/strategies into effective practice

� Identification of areas for policy development by the Welsh Assembly Government

� Support for and engagement with planners and an examination of their role in the agenda (and also a similar exploration with local authorities)

� Engage with private sector developers

� Skills development across the sector

� Supply chain development � downfall or economic opportunity?

� Consideration of how the group�s work will relate to behaviour change