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There have been calls from the construction industry to water-down the ‘ zero carbon homes’ definition.
Task force Zero Carbon Hub has issued a report to the government, recommending that in order for more new homes to meet the requirement to be zero carbon by 2016, targets to offset carbon emissions should be lowered.
It suggests that 60 per cent of carbon emissions should be offset from domestic housing through the use of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures.
Currently, the industry is expected to offset between 70 and 150 per cent of household emissions.
David Adams, director of the Zero Carbon Hub and chair of the task group, commented in the report: “While the 2016 commitment may seem some way off, an early statement by ministers in response to these recommendations will further build confidence that the zero-carbon objective is achievable and on track to be delivered.”
Housing minister Grant Shapps is expected to make a decision based on the recommendations in the coming months.
Posted by Mark Stephens
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For more information please see: Zero Carbon Hub report
