18
Dec
Government launches consultation of zero carbon homes
The government has launched a consultation paper with the aim of
establishing the means by which developers can meet the target for
all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016.
It includes issues such as the use of eco-friendly construction
materials, the setting of minimum carbon reduction targets and the
creation of a list of 'allowable solutions' from which developers
will choose.
Housing minister Margaret Beckett remarked: "With the consultation
process we are launching today, we are confident we will be able to
achieve our ambitions while giving the industry flexibility for how
they get there."
Responding to the news, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
emphasised the importance of ensuring that such new homes are
affordable.
FMB director of external affairs Brian Berry said there should also
be a major effort to refurbish existing homes to help reduce their
carbon emissions.
