More than 25 per cent of the UK's carbon emissions are produced by our housing, and with the Government committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, both existing and new homes must become more carbon efficient. The Government has already set out its plans to make all new homes zero carbon by 2016. The consultation process being launched today will enable the detailed requirements to be set and includes;
- requiring a greatly increased level of energy efficiency in the fabric of new homes;
- setting a minimum level of carbon reduction that developers must achieve; and
- requiring developers to tackle the remaining carbon emissions of the new homes, by choosing measures from a list of "allowable solutions", such as providing energy efficient appliances;
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:
"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world, and introducing zero carbon homes is an important part of our plans to tackle this, as well as further action to tackle emissions from the existing housing stock. I am absolutely committed to our 2016 target, and this demanding goal is already spurring action here and abroad."
Zero carbon status is measured against the annual emissions from heating, ventilation, hot water, fixed lighting, and the expected use of appliances.
The consultation now gives an opportunity for all groups to have their say on the proposed structure and further details, including the minimum level of carbon emissions that are reduced by onsite means and the list of allowable solutions. The consultation runs until 18 March 2009.
