The Merton Rule
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The Merton Rule is named after the council in the United Kingdom that adopted the first prescriptive planning policy that required new commercial buildings over 1,000 square meters to generate at least 10% of their energy needs using on site renewable energy equipment.[1]
In 2008, the UK government published its central planning guidance Planning Policy Statement - Planning and Climate Change - PPS1 that requires all UK local planning authorities to adopt a "Merton rule" policy.[2] Receiving Royal Assent in November 2008, the Planning and Energy Act 2008 enables all councils in England and Wales to adopt a Merton Rule as well as specify energy efficiency standards over and above that of building regulations.[3]
The policy has been criticised for assuming that in all cases, renewable energy generation represents the most effective method of reducing CO2 emissions at any given location. [4]
The policy has also met resistance from developers because on site renewable energy increases their capital costs, but the revenue benefit accrues to the subsequent users.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "On site renewable energy options". http://www.icax.co.uk/on_site_renewable_energy.html.
- ^ "Hansard". 25 January 2008. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080125/debtext/80125-0002.htm.
- ^ "Planning and Energy Bill 2007-08". 08 June 2009. http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2007-08/planningandenergy.html.
- ^ Town and Country Planning In The UK (14th Ed.) - Cullingworth and Nadin
