New buildings and developments in Bath & North East Somerset will have to be more energy-efficient and better adapted to climate change, following the launch of a new green buildings policy.

The checklist covers a range of issues, including a benchmark that all new build development should achieve a 19% reduction in the carbon dioxide emissions that are causing climate change, and that medium development or larger on existing buildings should achieve a 10% reduction in emissions.

Development should also be future-proofed to avoid overheating, which is becoming a problem as the climate warms. New buildings should also save water, reduce waste and use sustainable materials. Councillor Mark Shelford, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “The Council has ambitious targets on climate change, aiming to reduce district-wide carbon dioxide emissions by 45% by 2029. Buildings that reduce greenhouse gases and are ready for the future climate also deliver other benefits.

“These buildings will be higher quality, comfortable and healthy to inhabit and less costly to run. In many cases, they will also have a more secure, renewable energy supply. These are the sorts of buildings we want in our area.”