Government takes next step on zero carbon homes

A new set of building regulations, which were published for consultation last week, are intended to save over £63 million a year for businesses by cutting excessive red-tape as well as delivering safer and more sustainable buildings. When the amendments come into force in 2013, the more energy efficient newly built homes should save householders around £150 a year on energy bills, in comparison to homes being built in 2010. Andrew Stunell MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), said at the launch of the consultation, that “a quarter of the carbon emissions produced each year come from our homes, so it is vital we get to grips with energy efficiency to tackle this problem. Improving the energy efficiency of our existing buildings through the Green Deal and ensuring that all new homes are zero carbon by 2016 is a top priority.”
 

Another major change included in the consultation is a proposal requiring households to undertake energy efficiency improvements when implementing other renovations. This initiative would be phased in from October 2012, aligning with the Coalition’s Green Deal energy efficiency scheme, which will provide loans to install energy efficiency measures in buildings (such as insulation) which will be paid back via energy bills. It is hoped that these measures will drive down bills, make homes more sustainable and support jobs in the construction industry. DCLG is currently looking for views and evidence on the proposed regulations (until 27 April 2012) and will continue to work with other key stakeholders before finalising the proposals.

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