Inbuilt responds to zero carbon consultation
18 March 2009
Inbuilt has responded to the Government consultation on the definition of zero carbon homes which closes today.
The consultation will clarify the way all new homes in England can achieve zero carbon status from 2016, including creating a menu of solutions for housing developments that might not otherwise be able to reach this standard through directly connected heat networks or onsite energy generation.
Dr Neil Cutland, executive director of Inbuilt, says: "This has been a hugely significant consultation for the housebuilding industry, possibly more than any that has gone before.
"Inbuilt is a strong advocate for exploiting links between zero carbon new build and existing communities. Many of the 'allowable solutions' proposed within the consultation acknowledge this approach and should be strongly welcomed. It is also very encouraging to see the Heat and Energy Saving Strategy consultation running in parallel, indicating that equally demanding improvements in the existing stock will be required.
"However the potential regulatory complexities of delivering such a strategic plan are vast. We do have concerns about the way new build developments and the existing community will be linked effectively. For example, it's not yet clear how allowable solutions will be policed given the potentially different delivery timelines between the on-site and off-site developments. It may be appropriate for the Homes and Communities to manage such a process.
"It is vitally important that the Code for Sustainable Homes is revised to match the definition decided via this consultation. If not, there will not only be increased confusion but also a missed opportunity for projects to be trialled in the real world prior to the proposed 2012 review.
"From later this year the Community Energy Saving Programme should also prioritise schemes that reflect the allowable solutions. Failure to do these two things increases the risk we will be heading towards 2016 with an unproven model for zero carbon homes."
Inbuilt is already actively advising its housebuilding clients on cost-effective routes to achieve the Government‟s low and zero carbon targets. In response to the complex changes affecting this market, Inbuilt is using its Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD) very successfully to ease the burdens from multiple sustainability targets.
The IFSD goes beyond the simple 'tick box' procedure and helps identify, plan and monitor the full spectrum of sustainability issues across 12 different dimensions including often overlooked aspects like design quality and future proofing, quality of environment, happiness and well-being.
Contact
Dr Neil Cutland, Executive Director, Inbuilt
Tel. +44 (0)1923 277000
Download PDF