Tramore Local Area Plan - Waterford County Council

Chapter 3: Residential DevelopmentPOLICYAccommodationfor people withdisabilities…PolicyH8: To provide for the specific accommodation needs of people withdisabilities.3.10 ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSINGThe Council shall encourage all new housing to provide some form ofsustainable renewable energy in line with Local Agenda 21 principles. Givenrising oil prices and climate change it is imperative that consideration is given tosustainable forms of energy in all new housing developments. The Council shallpromote a culture of energy conservation for all users and emphasis theimportance of renewable energy sources.The Heat Energy Rating programme has been developed by Sustainable EnergyIreland to act as a visual consideration in residential property purchase or rentaldecisions and to act as a stimulus to significant investment in upgrading theenergy & environmental performance of housing stock with poor energyperformance. An energy certificate will be compulsory in 2007/2008 for housingdevelopments, which is similar to the energy rated certificate for domesticappliances such as fridges.In line with Local Agenda 21 principles and the impending Heat Energy Ratingprogramme, the Council will provide energy saving advice to anyone seeking tobuild a house and to tenants in Local Authority housing. The EU BuildingDirective will also be implemented as and where possible the Council willencourage designs that:-• Limit heat loss through the fabric of the building.• Control the output of space heating and hot water systems.• Encourage the use of alternative means of renewable energy in housingconstruction.The Council shall continue to work in conjunction with Waterford EnergyBureau in promoting and actively assisting in the development of sustainableenergy technology in the Tramore area. Waterford Energy Bureau is located inthe Civic Offices in Tankfield Tramore and the serves the City and County ofWaterford.POLICYEnergyEfficiency….PolicyH9: To ensure that buildings are designed and constructed so as to maximiseenergy efficiency in line with Local Agenda 21 Principals.H10: To promote and encourage the use of alternative forms of renewableenergy where suitable.30