Local energy efficiency schemes given the go-ahead

A series of local-level renewable energy and community power schemes have today (December 17th) been given the go-ahead.

Under changes to the planning system, councils will be expected to better provide for small scale renewable energy and community power schemes that aim to reduce the carbon emissions produced by new developments.

While the UK government has already announced proposals calling for all new homes to be carbon neutral by 2016, housing minister Yvette Cooper highlighted the contribution locally produced power could also make to commercial developments.

"We need the planning system to do more to back jobs, economic growth and regeneration but also to support higher environmental standards as we do so," she said.

"We need to be environmentally ambitious about all buildings, not just housing. We don't just need eco homes - we need eco offices, eco shops, eco pubs and clubs," she added.

The government also announced that later this week a consultation will be launched to examine potential changes to the energy market that would make it easier for locally produced power to feed into the electricity grid.