We are building 8 new homes for London and they will be a Carbon Neutral as they will allow us to be. Who are “they” – well local authorities control how green you are allowed to be. We are currently designing our new flats to be as energy saving as we are allowed. We have to stay within a range of regulations, including the Pimlico Design Guide, Gas Safety Regulations, not all of which allow us to apply the best environmental standards that we would like. So we have some sympathy with the Daily Mail’s list of most environmentally unfriendly buildings
1. Buckingham Palace
2. DECC (Defra)
3. Ministry of Defence
4. Horse Guards Barracks
5. Shell Building
6. Home Office
7. Houses of Parliament
8. Treasury
9. Portcullis House
10. MI6 HQ
11. Albert Hall
12. St James’ Palace
Most of these are in SW1 alongside Pimlico Flats, and those that aren’t are our near neighbours. It’s a simple fact that retaining London’s Architectural Heritage means retaining the Environmental Design Standards of the 19th Century.
Is this right? Please give your view.
