From J Carney, principal, J S Carney & Co Ltd.
WE refer to the article (JEP, 22 October) headed ‘New rules to save energy in houses’, which, while well intentioned, is regrettably typical of the old days of the States of Jersey not using joined-up writing.

The test of any new secondary legislation of this type is whether it deals efficiently and honestly with the areas/problems upon which it is focused.

The matter of carbon emissions and energy is a global one and world leaders will be wrestling with this agenda in the forthcoming Copenhagen Climate Summit, agreeing on measures which may have a profound effect on our local community.

The majority of local, indeed global, heat loss/carbon emissions originates from the original building stock, which comprises approximately 95% of the built environment. This is where the ‘easy wins’ exist, not the 5% new build. The proposed new building by-laws in themselves are fine but they have not been cross-referenced with the current Planning Law.

The problem from a design/new build point of view is therefore presently the more eco-friendly a property is made on paper the less aesthetically traditional or vernacular it appears and/or leaves itself open to a very subjective examination by Planning where there are bound to be some failures of judgment, as witnessed recently at a few of the current Planning Application Panel meetings.

These eco-friendly measures also have significant design, delay/cost and actual build cost implications to the clients which should not be underestimated.
The objective of a more sustainable built environment is not only politically correct but many regard it as essential to the well-being of the planet.

However, if these objectives are to be realistically met, in a timely and efficient manner themselves, a more comprehensive approach to the problem locally is needed by the Planning department.

In other words, clearly amended planning design policy documents need to also accompany this new building by-law legislation.

Finally, the architectural and construction industry locally have been since 1997 responsibly designing, refurbishing and building new properties with ever-reducing heat loss and ongoing improved performance, and continue to do so. This is not a new phenomenon.