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Following talks between the Government, home builders and environmental groups, The Home Builders Federation said continual discussions between the Government, home builders and environmental groups is gaining strength as they embark on their ambitious attempt to improve environmental standards. Builders, suppliers, utility companies, and regulators have agreed to a set of pledges to begin meeting the goal set by the government.
Housing minister Yvette Cooper said, “We know it will be a challenge for all new homes to be zero carbon within ten years, but we think the industry can rise to it. Every sector of the economy needs to do its bit to help cut carbon emissions and I welcome the commitment of the Home Builders Federation to delivering much higher environmental standards in the near future.”
The proposals also received further government support from Gordon Brown when he was Chancellor. He announced in his pre-budget report that carbon zero homes would be free from stamp duty.
All parties concerned have now began the crucial task of working out the details (through research, development and testing of products and practices) so that they can achieve the higher environmental standards the nation so badly needs. The UK’s 21 million homes are responsible for 27 per cent of the country’s CO2 emissions and the Government’s objective is to reduce the nation’s total emissions by 60 per cent by 2050.
It is anticipated that carbon zero homes will produce less than half the carbon emissions of a traditionally built house. They will cost about a third as much to run and will be built at the same cost as a standard ‘house type’ throughout the UK. New housing projects proposed during 2008 by the UK’s big house builders and developers will be more environmentally friendly than ever before.
Editor: Simon Weston
www.myfirsthomeltd.co.uk, www.myfirsthomeblog.com
Email: simon.weston@myfirsthomeltd.com
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One area related to zero carbon homes that is really due to hit the mainstream big time is the latest LED technology behind the new generation of low energy lighting which delivers both dramatically reduced energy consumption and absolutely minimal heat waste.