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The Development of a Policy on Architecture for Scotland: Report on the Public Consultation

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE

4.1 There was general endorsement by respondents of the role that architectural design can play in meeting the objectives of sustainable development. Respondents were critical, however, that the framework document omitted to mention certain technical issues, such as air quality and alternative energy sources, and did not discuss the broader issues affecting sustainability. In particular, respondents were critical of the document’s failure to acknowledge or discuss the role that existing buildings can play in meeting environmental objectives. Respondents noted that existing buildings, because of their material content and embodied energy, represented a significant investment in environmental terms. It was suggested that existing buildings should, therefore, be assessed not solely in terms of their intrinsic heritage or architectural merit but also in terms of their environmental asset value. Respondents suggested that good design could transform an existing building and provide as interesting and functional accommodation as a new building, but at considerably less cost to the environment. Respondents also suggested that the re-use of existing buildings encouraged the specification of local or traditional materials and the retention of craft skills. These too were seen as important to the environmental agenda.

4.2 Respondents suggested that certain aspects of current fiscal measures, development practice and development control militated against the objectives of sustainable development. A great many respondents, for example, commented on the differential in VAT liability for new and existing buildings, noting that this favoured new works at the expense of the re-use of existing buildings and that this was to the detriment of environmental objectives. Respondents were particularly critical of current practice with regard to the location, layout and construction standards of private housing developments. It was suggested that such developments tended to be car-orientated and to pay scant attention to environmental issues either in terms of layout or performance standards. A number of respondents commented unfavourably on PPP/PFI as a procurement route for construction projects. It was suggested that the contractual arrangements in projects procured in this way did not encourage the design-led approach that was an important factor in achieving sustainable construction. Respondents also commented adversely on the effectiveness of building regulations in fostering a more sustainable approach to construction. It was noted, for example, that although the regulations set only minimum standards, these tended to be regarded by developers as the maximum that needed to be achieved. Some respondents also commented that building control authorities were often reluctant to accept some traditional materials and techniques which are now not in conventional use but which are nevertheless environmentally benign. Timber cladding and lime render were cited as examples.

4.3 Respondents put forward a number of proposals for development control, policy and fiscal measures which, it was suggested, would promote and encourage a more sustainable approach to building design and construction. It was suggested that planning and building control should be more closely integrated so as to encourage an holistic consideration of development control matters. Respondents also suggested that planning and building warrant applications should be supported by environmental, energy and maintenance audits. In particular, respondents felt that proposals for new housing developments should be subject to environmental audit. In similar vein, it was suggested that all housing should be subject to energy and environmental audit as part of domestic valuations at point of sale. Respondents suggested a range of environmental issues for which mandatory targets should be set; these included reductions in CO2 emissions, the re-use and re-cycling of construction materials and the minimisation of water usage. Respondents also suggested a range of fiscal measures that might be used to encourage a more sustainable approach to building design and construction. These included focused grant aid, low interest loans and targeted reductions in VAT.

4.4 Respondents suggested a number of policy initiatives which might be considered to encourage and promote sustainable design. It was suggested that the built environment should be integrated into a national sustainable development strategy which should:

• review the regulatory framework to identify ways of promoting sustainability criteria;
• promote sustainability criteria through standards set for building materials and components;
• support training, research and the production of technical information; and
• encourage more sustainable housing through funding arrangements that take account of environmental and life-cycle costs.

Respondents also suggested that policy initiatives should be undertaken in the housing field to encourage a more sustainable approach to housing design and development and that these initiatives should:

• require more arduous insulation standards;
• introduce higher standards for indoor air quality;
• improve sound insulation standards; and
• set minimum space standards in order to contribute to the objective of lifetime barrier-free homes.

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