Northern Ireland architects have put their support behind the immediate implementation of Nearly-Zero Energy Building regulations in the region.

The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) responded to the consultation from the Department of Finance on behalf of architects across Northern Ireland.

The response supports the option of cutting carbon dioxide outputs by 40% in the case of new houses, 25% in the case of new flats, and 15%, in the case of new non-domestic buildings but says that the move comes at least three years too late: "It is vital that these proposals are implemented within a short timeframe before the current Assembly term ends."

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In addition, RSUA members asserted that this technical guidance, which was open for consultation in late 2021, should be built upon going forward, pointing out that parts of the proposal will only bring regulations "to a par with those in the Republic of Ireland and upcoming England and Wales standards".

The response also notes that this move should now form a catalyst for addressing the energy performance of existing buildings as soon as is possible.