Merton rule at Worcester’s environment awards

Earlier this year, we saw the seventh annual Environment 2010 Gala Awards hosted by Worcester, part of the Bosch Group, to reward those in the heating and plumbing industry who are committed to conserving the environment.

The London Borough of Merton (LBM) was awarded the Overall Winners title in the Local Authority category after showing the extent to which it promotes the renewable grants available from the Council, which fund up to 50% of the cost of eligible systems to a maximum of £10K.

This initiative which has been called the ‘Merton Rule’ means the council will encourage the energy efficient design of buildings and their layout and orientation on site. All new non residential developments above a threshold of 1,000sqm will be expected to incorporate renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10% of predicted energy requirements.

The use of sustainable building materials and the re-use of materials will also be encouraged, as will the use of recycled aggregates in the construction of buildings. This will be subject to the impact on the amenity of the local environment, taking into account the existing character of the area.

The initial inspiration for the policy came from a personal awareness of global environmental issues developed through work on Local Agenda 21. Within the agenda and subsequent Environmental Action Plan there was an objective to reduce energy use and promote the use of renewable energy. However the UDP policy was originally seen as a driver for economic development by lowering energy bills for start-up business premises. But its purpose today is now much more clearly supported as a policy to combat global warming.

Therefore as well as reducing emissions of green house gases, the policy is reducing use of a finite resource, reducing energy bills and helping encourage the development of the renewables industry.

LBM was also commended at the Environment 2010 awards for its long term commitment to installing SEDBUK A rated boilers in its properties, even before the changes to part L of the building regulations made it mandatory for all new installations to be at least B rated appliances.

Head of Sustainable Development at Worcester, Neil Schofield, said: “Merton is doing more to promote the use of renewable technologies than any other local authority. It carries out free audits to assess the best renewable energy generating system for local businesses and helps with applications to the Council for a grant. This is an excellent example of the Borough’s commitment to renewables and the environment.

“Their website provides detailed information for homeowners on energy efficiency topics and how they can save money and make a difference in the fight against climate change.

“Worcester has enjoyed a positive relationship with Merton for a number of years. We share a similar vision in helping to reduce harmful carbon emissions and we are both dedicated to raising the awareness of renewable and energy efficient technologies.

“Worcester’s Greenstar condensing boilers are regularly installed in properties around the area and Merton is now looking into trialling solar installations in the future, which is another hugely positive step. There is a real need to begin harnessing sustainable energy solutions to not only reduce carbon emissions but also to help reduce fuel bills for the homeowner as fuel prices continue to rise. The Government recently stated that by 2016 they want to see carbon neutral new houses; Worcester’s Greenskies solar packages are the sort of technology which will help to achieve this.

“At Worcester, we are committed to updating our products to incorporate the latest in technological advances, to maximise savings for the consumer and allow easy installation for the installer. Our Greenskies solar package complements existing heating systems, to provide over half of the domestic hot water requirements of a home over a year, which represents a worthwhile saving on hot water heating costs.

“We keep in regular contact with Merton to keep them updated with our latest products. It’s very pleasing to see a local authority so clued up and supportive of energy efficiency.”

The London Borough of Merton is a borough in South West London. The borough was formed in 1965 by the merger of the former area of the Municipal Borough of Mitcham, the Municipal Borough of Wimbledon and the Merton and Morden Urban District, all formerly within Surrey.