WWF-UK has announced that it has left the Zero Carbon Taskforce, an advisory group on green standards for new homes, after opposing the government’s changes to the definition of zero carbon homes.
The charity disagreed with the decision to no longer include carbon emissions levels from energy use through cooking and electrical appliances.
Instead, ‘zero carbon’ will cover the emissions of aspects in the building regulations such as heating, hot water and building materials.
According to WWF, this will transfer the job of providing clean energy in homes from housebuilders to energy suppliers, making it harder to reach government targets.
“It is a shattering blow to find out, without consultation, that the government has taken a decision to undermine both climate and housing legislation,” commented Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK.
“WWF is left with no choice but to resign from the taskforce as the ‘zero carbon’ homes policy comes tumbling down.”
The charity claimed that had it stayed within the responsibility of housebuilders, the policy would have put the UK ahead of other European countries in green policy.
Posted by Emily Thomas
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For more information please see: WWF announcement