The new policies mean that all new buildings are required to be designed to maximise their use of passive solar energy from the outset, and thereafter to consider the installation options for a low/zero carbon decentralised energy source, including consideration of a shared resource with a neighbouring development.

Secondly, all new developments should consider the installation of microgenerating equipment for the small-scale production of heat and/or electricity from zero or low carbon source technologies, particularly at a domestic level.

Thirdly, new developments with a total cumulative planning floorspace of 500 square metres or more are required to conform to Scottish Planning Policy 6 on Renewable Energy. This will require the installation and use of on-site zero or low carbon equipment contributing at least an extra 15% reduction in CO2 emissions beyond the 2007 Building Regulations carbon dioxide emissions standard. The Scottish Government has set a clear requirement for planning authorities to take account of climate change impacts in the preparation and determination of development plans and applications.

Developers will be encouraged to consider options for shared and/or combined heat and power, or energy from waste installations, subject to discussions with regulators. The set up of Energy Service Companies as a means of delivering stable, more localised energy production close to the area of need is also to be encouraged.

Applications will only be exempt where provable technical constraints exist, but the applicant will then have to agree equivalent carbon savings elsewhere within the city.

Some of the technologies for renewable energy generation that will be used include solar power, biomass, micro-wind and -hydro power, heat pumps and fuel cells.

Councillor George Ryan, Executive Member for Development and Regeneration at Glasgow City Council, said: "The changes made to the policy will make a significant contribution to tackling climate change by ensuring a reliable low or zero carbon energy supply which not only helps to reduce CO2 emissions, but will hopefully also increase public awareness on the need for us all to make greater efforts on this issue."