Zero Carbon Homes Policy Scrapped

[ALEO Admin]

The government has announced that it is to axe regulations relating to the zero carbon homes standard, first introduced in 2006 and originally due to be implemented by 2016.

These regulations would have ensured that all new dwellings would generate as much energy on-site – through renewable sources, such as wind or solar power – as they would use in heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation. This was to be supported by tighter energy efficiency standards that would come into force in 2016, and a scheme which would allow housebuilders to deliver equivalent carbon savings off site.

A document published by the Treasury on Friday, 10 July 2015, titled "Fixing the Foundations - Creating a more prosperous nation" states that:

The government does not intend to proceed with the zero carbon Allowable Solutions carbon offsetting scheme, or the proposed 2016 increase in on-site energy efficiency standards, but will keep energy efficiency standards under review, recognising that existing measures to increase energy efficiency of new buildings should be allowed time to become established

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council has said that:

It is short-sighted, unnecessary, retrograde and damaging to the house-building industry, which has invested heavily in delivering energy-efficient homes. Britain needs more housing but there is no justification for building homes with a permanent legacy of high energy bills.

To read more visit:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/ ... ome-target
and
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... ous-nation