TCPA signs Wales Climate Change Declaration » Housing » 24dash.com

TCPA Wales has joined over 40 organisations in signing up to a Declaration supporting the Assembly Government’s aspiration for a zero carbon built environment for Wales. Other coalition signatories include the Sustainable Development Commission, Design Commission for Wales, National House Building Council, Federation of Master Builders, the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment and CBI Wales.

The initiative was launched by Jane Davidson, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing and Jonathan Porritt, Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission, at a Built Environment and Climate Change Summit held at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on the 12th November.

Jane Davidson said:
“This is another first in the battle against climate change, demonstrating our ‘can do’ attitude. We all believe early action is needed, and the charter confirms Wales’ commitment to do all we can to tackle climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.”

“The built environment is the largest contributor to greenhouse gasses in Wales. The way in which we construct and use our homes and other buildings accounts for 45% of our total carbon emissions. It is vital that all our new buildings are energy efficient and as green as possible.”

“This charter is a demonstration of the coalition of the willing, of how diverse groups from all over Wales are ready to use their voice and powers to help Wales reduce its carbon footprint.”

Jonathan Porritt remarked:
“It is very heartening to see that Wales has the foresight and ambition to accelerate progress towards a sustainable built environment. I hope that the collaborative, coordinated approach demonstrated by this Declaration will enable it to make swift progress and be an exemplar for the rest of the UK.”

TCPA representative in Wales, Kay Powell added:
“Members of the TCPA in Wales - drawn from all sectors - are well placed to take action to support the Assembly Government’s zero carbon building aspiration and to help make it a reality. We will be contributing to an action plan to support the Declaration and will play our part in delivering on the aspiration, publicising progress and monitoring the results.”