New powers enabling the government to vet the sustainability of buildings for the first time have come into force.
The Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act, introduced by Andrew Stunell MP, is backed by WWF as part of its One Million Sustainable Homes campaign.
The act will require the use of materials that have a minimal impact on the environment, such as recycled or reclaimed materials or timber from independently certified well-managed sources.
Issues of sustainability in housing will now take centre stage in building legislation, but WWF said action is needed to ensure the new powers are used effectively. This, the environmental group said, can only be achieved by reviewing and upgrading building regulations as soon as possible.
