National Policy Initiatives
Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy
Rapid and constantly developing policy on the conservation of energy, the search for renewable sources of supply and the promotion of sustainability as an integral purpose of building design continues to filter through to create new forms and constructional technology. All new buildings will be touched by these policies which currently are largely affected through the Building Regulations, although new planning policies are beginning to require renewable energy generation to be embedded within new developments.
A former president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Alex Gordon, commissioned a report in the 1970's, before the word 'sustainability' reached its current political vogue, entitled "Long Life, Loose Fit, Low Energy". This three-part title might well serve to describe the nature of much of the traditional building stock we have inherited in the National Park and to guide us in considering contemporary design towards a sustainable built environment.
Unrestrained by legislation or regulation the owners of property in the past were constantly modifying their buildings to suit changing family size, economic status or developing functional need. Much of the building industry's business today is a continuation of this process and much of the architectural history of the Park would be dull without it. Traditional building construction has proved remarkably adaptable and robust and reflects the value of sustainability.
Although the criteria now established for designing with sustainable construction and renewable energy in mind relate to all kinds of building activity there is a much greater need today for conscious responsibility in contemporary design when using materials sourced from all over the world and technologies that depend on much off-site preparation. The problem for the designer is to discover what the environmental costs of production, transport of materials has been, as well as the future implications of incorporation in the building of materials perhaps relatively untested by time and environment. It requires a positive choice to minimise waste and maximise future benefit from robustness and adaptability. This will be a major influence in the design of the building and in the expression of the building form.
A fuller discussion of the efficient use of resources and of other aspects of designing for sustainability is contained in the section Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy as well as being discussed in brief in relation to each type of development.
This is an important and far-reaching issue and includes consideration of:
- Site design, orientation, environmental impact
- Minimising waste in production, transport, incorporation and use
- Pollution in production and use
- Renewable energy
- Renewable energy
- Biodiversity
- Water and drainage
- Social and economic sustainability
Accessibility for All
Policy has also set the pace for making sure that people are not left at a disadvantage in access to and use of new buildings. Equality is an important force in today's democratic society. Equal access is a fundamental right and in new design solutions buildings should incorporate accessibility for all as an integral part of the design concept. New building forms may be desired both for the functional requirements of access and for the expression of an open and democratic environment.
General guidance and references to regulations and legislation which covers provision for access are shown in the section Accessibility for All as well as being discussed in brief in relation to each type of development.
