Government publishes zero carbon homes consultation

The government has started its long-awaited consultation into the definition of zero carbon. The process will finalise details of the proposal to make all new homes zero carbon from 2016 and will also seek views on extending the restriction to non-domestic buildings from 2019.

The consultation proposes a number of measures, including requiring the fabric of homes to be far more energy efficient and setting a minimum level of carbon reductions that must be achieved by developers through insulation or on-site renewable energy.

It also considers ways of tackling remaining emissions through "allowable solutions" such as exporting low- and zero-carbon heat and cooling to surrounding developments. In light of the economic downturn, it proposes a cap on the costs expected to be spent on carbon reduction solutions and promises a review of the list of allowable solutions in 2012.

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