Environmentalists yesterday praised changes to Bermuda’s Building Code that will focus on energy efficiency and improved access for the disabled.

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) said the amendments would also ensure household water supplies were clean and waste was disposed of safely.

Group chairman Stuart Hayward said: “Few in our community appreciate that the uniformity imposed by the Department of Planning through these building codes not only enhances Bermuda’s attractiveness to tourist and business visitors alike, but also adds to our quality of life by ensuring sound construction, sanitary household water supply and safe disposal of human wastes.

“Further, the introduction of standards for energy efficiency and accessibility will contribute to the sustainability of our built environment. The work done by the Planning Department to set and uphold high standards of construction benefits the entire community. We thank them for their diligence.”

The Department of Planning decided to upgrade the Building Code to reflect advancements in the building and materials industry and bring the Island in line with international standards.

A few key areas are substantially different from the existing codes, covering energy efficiency and accessibility for the physically challenged.

The new Commercial Code will adopt the IBC (International Building Code 2012) which supersedes the BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators).

But while BEST praised the changes, they said more could be done.

Mr Hayward said: “While this update is a major improvement, we recognise that there is still room to do more.

“It would be useful to require that all new residences install solar water heating, which would have a cost benefit by significantly reducing water heating costs.

“It wouldn’t hurt also to require installation of infrastructures for renewable energy technology to lower costs for future installations, such as piping and conduits for solar panels.”

The new codes will affect all new building permit applications for residential and commercial developments and can be viewed at the Department of Planning in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans building on Court Street or at www.planning.gov.bm

Those with an approved building permit will not be affected. Residents can provide feedback on the codes via the Public Consultation form on the Department of Planning’s website until July 30.

It is expected that the new codes will come into effect from November this year.