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Merton Rules OK !

Posted: 23/05/2008

Merton Council has been recognised at a national awards ceremony celebrating local government achievements. The LGC (Local Government Chronicle) Awards were held recently and Merton picked up an award in the Sustainable Environment category, for the borough's work on its nationally renowned Merton Rule guidance.

The council was judged by the panel as being able to address environmental and sustainability issues sensitively, imaginatively and effectively. The 'Merton Rule' is the planning policy, pioneered by the council which requires developers to cut CO2 emissions by ensuring at least 10% of energy is produced on site using renewable resources.

Merton Council is continuing to build on its pioneering renewable energy planning policy and is now working with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Massachusetts and the Government Office for London on a new web-based system which will enable the monitoring of renewable energy produced in the borough.

A WPI professor will demonstrate the prototype monitoring system linked to the solar panels on the roof of Big Yellow Box Storage located in Wimbledon.

This initiative will lead the way in enabling all local authorities to fulfil the government requirement to provide the annual amount of renewable energy generated in each borough.

Also in partnership with WPI, Merton Council is developing an initiative which will see new commercial buildings having a so-called birth certificate - a cross between a birth certificate and medical record, the document will detail when the building was built and how energy efficient it is.

The council is also organising a half-day seminar offering the chance to hear thought-provoking presentations about the issues affecting the future of the Rule, its practical implementation and the part it will play in fulfilling developers' environmental responsibilities.

Woking Council Chief Executive Ray Morgan will talk about the iconic Woking energy model where Combined Heating and Power units have been installed across the borough and are reducing CO2 emissions by over 70%.

Other speakers will include Arup Director of Sustainability Chris Twinn who will talk about the importance of future proofing - making sure that developers who are building now have an eye on what may be needed in the future.

EPI Pyrolysis Director Mark Collins-Thomas will speak about the potential energy that can be generated from sustainably treated household and commercial waste.

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