Carbon zero homes

David Bexon, Managing Director, SmartNewHomes.com responds to Yvette Cooper’s speech, made at the House Builders Federation Roundtable summit, 09 January 2007:

“Any initiative that will cut carbon emissions and ensure the future development of zero carbon homes across the UK should be welcomed by house builders across the board.

“However, the Government’s commitment to ensure the development of those technologies, which can be applied to existing as well as new housing stock, is paramount if it is serious about making a positive impact on our environment.

“Developers of new homes already adhere to stringent standards to ensure that both their construction methods and the homes they are building are energy efficient - with great success. New homes built today are six times more energy efficient than those built back in 1900 and while I strongly support the continuous development of such methods and standards, I firmly believe a focus on existing stock should take priority.

“Incentives such as those highlighted last year in Gordon Brown’s pre-budget speech to reduce stamp duty for those with carbon zero homes are not enough and it is essential that further incentives - that truly appeal to the consumer, are introduced if we are to successfully reduce the carbon emissions currently being released by our homes.”