Proposed new green regulations in Northern Ireland, forcing buildings to contain more energy efficient features, are now to be abandoned, following a decision by NI finance minister Peter Robinson MP.

The new regulations would have made it compulsory for new buildings to contain small wind turbines, wood fuelled boilers and solar panels.

This decision contradicts the NI Executive’s draft Programme for Government, which pledged to reduce carbon emissions by at least 25% by 2025.

This abandonment of green measures for buildings comes despite regs in the South which provide for an improvement in energy efficiency and 40% reduction in carbon emissions, under Part L coming into force later this year, whilst green regulations are also in place in the UK.

Darrell O'Kane, Housing Manager for VELUX Ltd, was heavily critical of the move, described the reversal as both “irresponsible and misguided” and highlighted the enormous implications costs the decision would have on the environment and Northern Irelands homeowners.

"Feeble suggestions that a policy ensuring that all new building incorporate microgeneration will limit a developers’ flexibility are totally unfounded.

Since the initial announcement of this planned policy, the installer industry has been gearing up to offer developers a range of solutions which will aid them in their mission to ensure their new developments meet the new regulations", he said.