Wales has announced a new plan to address the global climate crisis by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. To begin, all new homes built in Wales will only be heated and powered by renewable energy according to the Welsh government.
It’s estimated that housing accounts for 9% of all greenhouse emissions in Wales. Under the new plan, all houses built after 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Starting this year they look to implement the plan and reduce CO2 emissions by 37% on new houses, compared to the current standards. This is estimated to save homeowners an average of £180 a year on energy bills over the next five years.
Housing Minister Julie James spoke about the plan:
New and existing housing contribute about a fifth of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed consultation, for implementation over the next five years, makes a strong and meaningful contribution to reducing the carbon and energy impact of new homes, while recognizing our ambition to be balanced against the desire for standards to be cost-effective, affordable and practical.
Included in the plan is phasing out the use of high-carbon fossil fuels, improve air quality, and improving energy efficiency by reducing the demand for heat and limiting overall heat loss.
Mark Drakeford the country’s First Minister said:
It will add to costs in the short run, but the more new technologies are used, the cheaper they become. This has the great benefit that bills will be smaller for people living in these houses and ways of heating our homes that will be sustainable for the future.
Currently, the largest carbon-neutral project in the UK is being built outside Tonyrefail, where none of the new homes are connected to the gas main. Instead, they will be connected to the Earth’s natural hot water supply 500ft (150m) underground. The houses will also be equipped with solar panels and battery storage. This will create a nice blueprint for the rest of the country.
Technology is going to monitor the energy tariffs, making the most of the peak times. Another area of improvement is the plan to use better insulation to help lower the bills.
Ms. James put things in perspective nicely:
These measures will not only help tackle climate change, but they will also help keep down household energy costs now and in the future – helping people, no matter what their background or circumstances, with the cost of living.
For Wales to take such action is good not only for the UK but for the rest of the world. These issues have been put off by politicians and business for so long that it seems unimportant to some people. Truth be told, this is exactly what should be done. Take action now, don’t wait around until things get further out of control.
As one spokesman said: “To achieve these ambitions we need all stakeholders, governments, builders, material suppliers, environmental groups – to work together to agree on a coordinated, deliverable work plan.”
The new proposal will close on March 12th and will be followed by taking a look at how they can improve emissions upon existing homes.
