Milton Keynes Council sets new sustainable building standards

New guidance is set to be introduced for developers to make sure buildings in Milton Keynes are more sustainable.

While the local standards are already in place, not every developer includes them in their planning proposals, so the new clearer guidance will allow developers to better understand the Council’s sustainability standards.

Developers can only secure planning permission if they can demonstrate that all building work will be carried out to the city’s standards, and the Council hopes that the new clarity will attract developers who share the Council’s green vision for Milton Keynes.

As much as 40% of the UK’s energy-related carbon emissions come from the construction industry.

The new requirements from the Council include using low and zero carbon construction materials, including reusing 70% of any demolished buildings, not ordering more materials than is necessary to limit waste, and designing buildings to make it easier for inhabitants to recycle, use less water, keep warm, and charge electric vehicles nearby.

The Council will also require developers of large schemes (more than 11 homes, or more than 1000 sqm of commercial space) to provide an Energy and Climate Statement setting out how they are addressing specific issues relating to carbon reduction, air quality, overheating and 15 quality and monitoring regimes.

Leader of MK Council, Cllr Pete Marland, said: ‘The built environment plays a big part in the challenge of climate change and we want Milton Keynes to be an international vanguard for sustainable and considered development.  In 1975 Milton Keynes was the first place in Britain with a solar powered house, and we continue to push boundaries today.

‘Introducing this guidance gives developers a clear blueprint of the high standards we expect, so we can all work together to build the homes and infrastructure we need to tackle global climate challenges.  As a result we hope to see many more affordable and practical green homes in MK as well as more iconic zero carbon commercial buildings.’

Photo by Jeriden Villegas