The Minister announced the publication of the draft policy (PPS 18) at the 2007 Northern Ireland Building Control Convention, the theme of which is ‘Building a Sustainable Future’. She invited comment on the new draft guidance which aims to encourage renewable energy developments to help tackle climate change and support more sustainable development.
She said: “Climate change is the single biggest threat facing our natural and built environment. I want to promote the reduction of harmful greenhouse gases through encouraging renewable energy development in appropriate locations. Furthermore I want to promote the use of sustainable building practices that make the most of free energy and light from the sun.
“The new policy will also help us move towards a key target in the Sustainable Development Strategy - that 40% of all electricity consumed in Northern Ireland should come from renewable energy by 2025.
“More renewable energy development will not only help the environment, it can provide significant opportunities for local firms to use their extensive skills and knowledge base to develop a local renewable energy industry. By creating jobs, the increased use of renewable energy provides opportunities for rural diversification and for the alternative use of agricultural land in the production of renewable energy crops”.
Notes to Editors:
- DOE’s new policy is contained in the Consultation Draft Planning Policy Statement 18 Renewable Energy (PPS18) which provides policy and guidance on renewable energy sources and the principles of Passive Solar Design within the context of reducing green house gas emissions as part of Northern Ireland’s efforts in tackling climate change.
- Planning Policy Statements set out DOE policies on particular aspects of land use planning and other planning matters and apply to the whole of Northern Ireland. Their contents are taken into account as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and appeals.
- DOE will be undertaking consultation on draft PPS18 for a period of 4 months starting from 23 November 2007, and the draft PPS18 can be accessed at the Planning Service website: www.planningni.gov.uk
- A copy of the draft PPS18 can also be obtained from DOE’s Planning and Environmental Policy Group, River House, 48 High Street, Belfast BT1 2AW.
- Further News Media information, contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or out-of-hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 076 9971 5440.
