View PDF document - Masonry First

• For Developers the framework acknowledges that the housebuilding process must
not be tied to the delivery time of an Allowable Solutions project, which may be long
term. The verification process allows the early release of an Allowable Solutions
Certificate, so that Building Control approval (to Part L 2016) should never be delayed
by the use of Allowable Solutions.
• For Local Planning Authorities the framework provides the opportunity to steer the
selection of local Allowable Solutions projects towards those that maximise benefits to
local communities and constituents. Additionally there is the option of developing a
Community Energy Fund which may provide a magnet for local investment in carbon
saving projects. This will further increase the opportunities for developing more
significant local carbon-saving projects and the possibility of linking with other Local
Planning Authorities to further increase the scale of future projects. To take this
opportunity, however, Local Planning Authorities will need to develop policies related
to Allowable Solutions delivery and this is recognised as a major commitment.
• For Suppliers of Allowable Solutions projects, the framework proposal provides the
basis for a transparent business environment in which there is fair competition and
clear rules of engagement.
• For Building Control, the framework will provide simplicity. A verifiable certificate
showing carbon abated will be issued as evidence that the Allowable Solutions part of
the zero carbon requirements in Part L 2016 has been met. It is recognised that there
are some training implications for Building Control Staff in understanding the context of
Allowable Solutions within the overall ‘Carbon’ performance of a development.
• Further consultation is proposed in three key areas:
1 To test the appetite within the finance communities for the concepts of
‘Community Energy Funds’ and ‘Private Energy Funds’. In particular to check the
strength of their inclination to provide debt finance to either and the risks they
would perceive;
2 To establish the terms of reference and an operational model for the proposed
Verification and Certification Scheme – developing a scheme that is low in
complexity and high in assurance is vital;
3 To consider the development of the Fund Holding body and how this is
integrated with the financial sector, and particularly the Green Investment Bank.
• How the framework is developed is critical. The right framework for Allowable
Solutions could stimulate innovation and create huge opportunities for leveraging
secondary funding from businesses, debt financiers and private investors that are
looking to invest in carbon-reduction projects. These and other medium and long
term benefits could play a major role in helping to balance the economy and building a
high level of skills and knowledge in low carbon technologies.
7