Greenhouse gas emissions continued to fall in 2006, despite economic growth of 2.9%, with the largest fall (4% lower than 2005) recorded in the domestic sector, and 1.6% in the business sector. These reductions were in marked contrast to the energy supply sector (up by 1.5%) and transport (up by 1.3%).

Total greenhouse gas emissions were down 0.5% on 2005 levels, while carbon dioxide (CO2), which makes up about 85% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, stayed virtually the same (- 0.1%). Defra says the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are now 16.4% lower than 1990 levels, and 20.7% down when the effect of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme is included, putting it on course to exceed its Kyoto commitments.

The Climate Change Bill, which is currently before Parliament, together with planning reform to facilitate renewable generation and nuclear, has implications for sustainable building as it will set a target to cut carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60% by 2050.

u www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/globatmos/gagccukmeas.htm