New buildings should be designed so that they are considerate to their neighbours and the character of their surroundings. In order to stand the test of time they should be structurally sound and designed with built-in flexibility in mind so that they can respond to future changes in use and continue to be accessible to all users.
Building developments and improvements to existing properties should have a high quality of architectural design whilst taking account of the historic environment, community safety and whole-life costing. Waste and disruption can be minimised during construction and in the longer term if materials chosen and features installed are designed to minimise maintenance, running costs and environmental impact. Increasing resilience to storms and flooding, and greater temperature control may be necessary to meet the challenges of future climate change.

The use of brownfield sites and disused buildings could be prioritised and where possible, the inclusion of energy efficiency measures, renewable energy installations and water saving devices promoted. Energy recovery and combined heat and power (CHP) schemes, for example, can improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Such considerations could be supported by a local sustainable design guide for builders and developers.

Public and community buildings in particular should set a high standard. The Buildings Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) has been used for many years to assess the environmental performance of both new and existing buildings in the UK. BREEAM, and the related EcoHomes scheme, could be used to measure progress in Swansea and identify demonstrations of best practice in environmental design and management.

The energy efficiency of domestic buildings is rated by the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) which is currently a requirement for new dwellings, homes undergoing major alterations and all social housing. The SAP rating in Swansea is in line with the national average. All home sellers now have to provide a Home Condition Report, which includes an energy rating. This should help drive domestic energy efficiency improvements in the private housing sector.

Swansea is fortunate to have an Energy Advice Centre which helps householders access information and grants for improving the energy efficiency of their homes.