TWO years after the planning system was overhauled, audit Scotland last week published its verdict. Or at least it published findings on the first few months, since the authorities are unable to provide any information until about 18 months after an event.  The findings were discouraging. Where planning turnaround should have improved, it has been stagnant for minor applications and considerably worse for larger ones. Councils are also spending 17% more in real terms to process applications than in 2004, even though applications fell 29%.  Don t expect aS to have an explanation for these phenomena, though. Councils don t measure costs closely enough to know why they rose, and the Government has not developed a system for measuring performance.  The report doesn t exactly tear strips off anyone for these failings, but they are a serious black mark against four years of SNP administration. If alex Salmond is serious about step-changing Scottish growth and meeting renewables ambitions, the system had better have improved. audit Scotland needs to repeat this exercise soon, and give everyone both barrels if the results are no better.  according to the World Green Building CounciI, in 2003 only 24% of builders considered the complexities of energy conservation when constructing new buildings. By 2013 the figure is expected to rise to 94%.  a seminar to discuss the business implications of this shift will be held at a World Green Building Week event at Glasgow s Lighthouse at 6pm tomorrow.  Speakers will include Lori McElroy of architecture+Design Scotland, Don McLean, the founder of Glasgow s pioneering green building specialist IES, and David McNeill, technical director of Buro Happold, who will give insights into groundbreaking Scottish projects including the new Glasgow Riverside Museum. Networking drinks to follow. Contact events@iesve.com