Review and Critical Analysis of International UHI Studies

5.6.4 Energy Efficiency Measures Planning Issues
Measures such as insulation, air sealing, exterior shading and glazing are included in this area,
some efficiency measures include reflective surfaces and cool roofs which we have covered
separately.
Energy Efficiency measures are well documented and part of most planning frameworks.
Sustainable construction is largely promoted in most countries and is well demonstrated in
building regulations. Problems maybe encountered where planners and architects disagree as to
the most appropriate measure.
In terms of New Build the building can be designed with efficient features from inception and
numerous guidelines exist encouraging less glazing, design solutions that minimize the use of
lighting and heating, decentralized energy systems, and the use of solar and wind turbines. In the
UK it is predominantly driven by the reduction of CO2.
National/Central Government generally set minimum standards for energy efficiency and local
government follows the set standards and try to push the boundaries beyond those targets.
In New York the Mayor proposed new laws to improve the energy efficiency of over 2,000
buildings aiming to reduce their energy consumption and emissions. The plans are said to result
in billions of dollars in private investment and the generation of jobs. Only buildings that can
recoup the cost of the energy efficiency measures in the reduction of their energy bills will be
considered for the program [219].
Potential Barriers
Life cycle refurbishment offers a big opportunity and again guidance is plentiful; however,
significant issues arise relating to funding, time pressures and methods of enforcement.
Standards are easy to enforce with New Builds but refurbishments do not have to go through any
formal planning procedure and so can pass through unnoticed, another barrier in the UK is that
refurbishment, refit and repairs to buildings are charged full VAT whereas New Builds are not
which acts as a major disincentive. Programs such as the one undertaken in New York described
earlier would not work in the UK for this reason unless the government could offer businesses
and homes grants or set up a borrowing scheme where the money accrued from energy savings is
used to repay the loan.
5.6.5 Transport System Design Planning Issues
When discussing transport we include: rail systems; bus schemes; cycle routes; trams;
pedestrianising schemes; and private vehicle disincentives.
The public’s use of transport is culturally entrenched, so in order to change an individual’s
transport use pattern they must undergo an attitude and behavioral change also. This can be
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