Decisions delayed on zero carbon definition

The basic definition is that a zero carbon home is one ‘whose net carbon dioxide emissions, taking account of emissions associated with all energy use in the home, is equal to zero or negative across the year’.

Proposals for the detail of how this can be achieved were set out in a consultation in July, and housing minister John Healey has now announced some of the conclusions.

Energy efficiency will form a key part of the requirements, but the groups responding to the consultation stated that the lack of a suitable energy efficiency standard could hold this back.

The government has accepted this, and set up a task group to look into the issue. This will report in the autumn, and a decision on the standard is now due by the end of the year.

On-site carbon reductions will be responsible for 70 per cent of the emissions savings. This covers regulated energy use, with a range of ‘allowable solutions’ to account for the remaining 30 per cent.

Further details of these are also expected before the end of the year, but they are likely to include extra on site improvements – such as fitting efficient appliances and control systems – and using community heating systems. There may also be credits for exporting energy to other developments.

Mr Healey said: ‘Homes meeting the new requirements will be cheaper to run because of high energy efficiency requirements and occupants will be less vulnerable to rising gas and electricity prices.

‘These homes will have better controls, including smart meters, so that people can more easily manage and reduce energy use.’

Mr Healey also announced that £21 million from the Homes and Communities Agency’ Low Carbon Community Heating Initiative would go to schemes in Exeter, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Birmingham and Newcastle.

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