25 November 2009
Source: LGN (Local Government News is distributed on a monthly basis and provides the latest independent news and information on building, urban space and groundcare. Having joined the HIS stable of local government publications in 2007, Local Government News is designed to keep professional officers in local government abreast of up-to-date legislative changes and interpretations of central government policy )

Healey: All homes zero carbon from 2016


James Evison

All new homes will have to be zero carbon from 2016, according to housing minister John Healey.

Housing minister John Healey
Healey: seeking expertise to deliver 'the best, practical solutions'  (Pic Mark Wohlwender)
The commitment comes on the back of Mr Healey¹s plans that new-build social housing should be zero carbon by 2016 using the Code for Sustainable Homes as a guide.

He also aims to make non-domestic buildings fall in line with zero carbon from 2019 onwards and has launched a consultation on the feasibility of such an action.

Mr Healey pledged £3.2m to boost research into making homes more energy efficient through the Technology Strategy Board.

The money will be used to create Code Level 4 homes using only energy efficient methods and not on-site renewables.

He said: ‘New homes are 40 per cent more energy efficient now compared to 2002, but we must and can do more.

‘As a country, nearly half of our carbon emissions come from the built environment. That¹s more than roads, railways and airports combined.

‘But communities and towns are made up of more than just homes, so today I have launched proposals for all new public sector buildings to be zero carbon from 2018 and all new commercial buildings from 2019.

‘I want to gather all of the expertise out there so we have the best, practical solutions to do this.’



Your comments

The Code for Sustainable Homes was introduced in England but has been adopted in Wales and Northern Ireland. It is not used in Scotland. (According to www.communtities.gov.uk)

Matt Hobley, Publisher, LocalGov.co.uk, Added: Wednesday, 13 January 2010 08:29 AM

Do you mean homes in England and Wales?

Bryan McAlister Architect, Added: Tuesday, 12 January 2010 05:10 PM

Surely anybody can see the risks of overreliance upon finite fossil fuels that are imported from areas with geopolotical significance? Why are people like you still trying to make these points? Surely you want people to live in homes with lower fuel bills...then they can spend more on the consumption based economy you are seeming to advocate.

Justin Halewood BRE , Added: Thursday, 26 November 2009 11:39 PM

Global Warming is caused by a natural cycle, not humans. So lets not impose major costs on the world economy trying to stop it, lets adapt.

Paul Thompson, retired, Added: Thursday, 26 November 2009 10:31 PM



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