This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sustainable design in architecture
20/01/2003
Over £500,000 is being allocated to take forward an initiative for sustainable design in architecture.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Elaine Murray will today launch the Executive's Sustainable Design in Architecture programme at a seminar in Ayr on renewable energy.
The strategy aims to promote better understanding of the importance and benefits of an innovative, holistic approach to building design.
Speaking ahead of the seminar she said that well-designed buildings should be energy efficient, and should take account of wider sustainable goals. Achieving sustainable development will require a fundamental change in thinking.
Dr Murray said:
"Decisions about energy use and sustainability issues are at the heart of the process of building design.
A sustainable approach means that we design and manage our built environments in ways that take proper account of the wider contexts and the consequences that we impose, both locally and globally.
"The fundamental aim of sustainable development is to ensure that in meeting the needs of today our actions do not limit the quality of life of future generations.
"There is still considerable reluctance amongst those of us who commission buildings to take up this challenge in the form of an innovative and integrated approach to sustainable design.
"Through this £600,000 Executive funded initiative we will encourage client and commissioning groups to think more imaginatively and pro-actively both before and during the design process."
Environment Minister Ross Finnie offered his support, saying:
"Promoting sustainable development is a necessity, not an option. It is essential we consider how we can best achieve this goal in all areas of society, and the Executive is pleased to announce this funding for the programme.
"Ensuring new buildings incoporate renewables and energy efficiency at the heart of architectural designs is an innovative and worthwhile method of supporting sustainable policies and practises."
The Sustainable Design in Architecture initiative will be carried out by The Lighthouse in Glasgow, through a £600,000 grant awarded by the Executive's Environment and Rural affairs Department, funded by the Aggregates Levy - one of a range of projects in support of sustainable development
As Scotland's National Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, The Lighthouse is the natural partner for the delivery of the Scottish Executive's Sustainability Policy as it relates to the built environment.
As an institution, The Lighthouse provides a focus for Scotland's thriving architecture, design and creative communities setting them within an international context. In addition to events and projects within the building, it delivers initiatives that extend across the length and breadth of Scotland, thereby ensuring the widest possible access to architecture, design and the built environment.