Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted
Paragraph: 90
The National Model Design Code represents a good start to the task of improving efficiency...
Conclusion
The National Model Design Code represents a good start to the task of improving efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of materials used in construction. Regrettably, in its current form it does not provide the ambition or detailed guidance necessary if it is to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the climate and nature crises which the country faces. The code does not provide the supporting detail which design codes require to set standards related to whole-life carbon. The definition of ‘embodied energy’ it uses is confusing, and it offers no guidance on how to assess embodied carbon or how to mitigate these emissions.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the National Model Design Code encourages local councils to set design standards, develop policies that consider the assessment whole life costs and implement sustainable construction, focusing on reducing embodied energy and embedding circular economy principles, and should be read as part of the National Design Guide.
Paragraph Reference:
90
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The National Model Design Code encourages local councils to set design standards, develop policies that consider the assessment whole life costs and implement sustainable construction. This guidance focuses on reducing embodied energy and embedding circular economy principles. The NMDC should be read as part of the National Design Guide, and alongside the planning practice guidance notes referenced in Part 3 of the National Design Guide, Manual for Streets, and other forthcoming guidance relating to the natural and environmental characteristics of development. Design codes can specify a range of different things including the environmental performance of places and buildings and their contribution to net zero targets.