In October 2003, Merton became the first UK local authority to require non-residential building developments to generate at least 10% of their energy needs from renewable sources.
He is pictured receiving his award from HVCA chief executive Robert Higgs, who described Adrian Hewitt as ‘an environmental pioneer and a committed and inspirational individual, who continues to use his profound understanding of climate change — coupled with his imagination, determination and dedication to the cause — to spread the renewable-energy gospel’.
His bold initiative was soon taken up by other local authorities, most notably London, where, in 2010, the renewable-energy requirement is to be raised to 20%.
The ‘Merton rule’ has also had a major influence on national energy policy, its principles having been embodied last year in planning statements from the Government.
Keywords: HVCA, Merton
