Draft environment (principles and governance) bill
![]() |
On 19 December 2018, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published draft clauses on environmental principles and governance. |
The draft clauses will be part of a broader Environment Bill introduced early in the second session of parliament, which will include legislative measures to take direct action to address the biggest environmental priorities:
- air quality;
- protection and enhancement of landscapes,
- wildlife and habitats;
- handling of resources and waste,
- management of surface, ground and waste water.
The creation of an Environment Bill was announced by the Prime Minister in July, and is intended to put environmental ambition and accountability at the heart of government, creating a new framework for environmental governance.
An independent body will provide scrutiny and advice, and hold government to account on the development and implementation of environmental law and policy. The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) will be a statutory environmental body that will be able to take legal action to enforce the implementation of environmental law where necessary, replacing the current oversight of the European Commission.
The draft Bill proposes making it a legal requirement for the government to have a plan for improving the environment, to monitor and report annually to Parliament on progress and to update it at least every 5 years. The 25 Year Environment Plan, published in January, will become the first such plan.
Environment Secretary, Michael Gove said the clauses; “…set out how we will create a pioneering new system of green governance, placing our 25 Year Environment Plan on a statutory footing. We will explore options for strong targets to improve our environment, and provisions on air quality, waste and water resource management, and restoring nature.”
John Alker, Director of Policy and Places at UKGBC said; "The Draft Environment Bill represents some welcome ambition from government. Our built environment has a huge impact on nature and biodiversity, and ensuring we protect and enhance our natural assets is vital, not least for our own health and wellbeing. This bill should give clarity to construction and property businesses on environmental principles and provide the policy certainty to raise the bar on standards.”
You can see the clauses at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-environment-principles-and-governance-bill-2018
This announcement came in the same week that the government published: Our waste, our resources: a strategy for England.
See also: Environment Bill 2020.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Climate change science.
- Earth overshoot day.
- Energy Act.
- Energy Related Products Regulations.
- Environment Bill 2020.
- Environmental legislation.
- Environmental Protection Act.
- Governance.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- The Carbon Plan: Delivering our low carbon future.
- UK Climate Change Risk Assessment.
- Our waste, our resources: a strategy for England.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).