Ireland
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Northern Ireland Executive Environment Minister Arlene Foster has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases with a new renewable energy planning policy.
The Minister announced the publication of the draft policy (PPS 18) at the 2007 Northern Ireland Building Control Convention, the theme of which is 'Building a Sustainable Future'.
She invited comment on the new draft guidance which aims to encourage renewable energy developments to help tackle climate change and support more sustainable development.
"Climate change is the single biggest threat facing our natural and built environment. I want to promote the reduction of harmful greenhouse gases through encouraging renewable energy development in appropriate locations," the Minister said.
"Furthermore I want to promote the use of sustainable building practices that make the most of free energy and light from the sun. The new policy will also help us move towards a key target in the Sustainable Development Strategy - that 40 per cent of all electricity consumed in Northern Ireland should come from renewable energy by 2025."
Ms Foster concluded: “More renewable energy development will not only help the environment, it can provide significant opportunities for local firms to use their extensive skills and knowledge base to develop a local renewable energy industry.
"By creating jobs, the increased use of renewable energy provides opportunities for rural diversification and for the alternative use of agricultural land in the production of renewable energy crops."
(JM)
