Carbon Neutral Homes
Gordon Brown announced in his pre-budget report last month of the Government’s intention that, within 10 years, all new homes will be carbon neutral. Tom Barton of Fisher German points out what an ambitious proposal this is, given that there are currently no homes in Britain that fit this description. (The Energy Saving Trust defines a carbon neutral home as, “A home that generates all its own energy from solar panels or biomass boilers.”)
While the announcement has been seen as encouraging and certainly a step in the right direction, many commentators have questioned whether the proposals for the carbon-neutral homes will be achievable.
Although micro-generation equipment is becoming increasingly more widespread and accepted, there are still gaps in consumer knowledge and information on products available. There are also likely to be teething problems as this evolving market grows. Tom Barton points out, “A home needs to be functional above all else, and homebuyers need to be convinced that this new technology will work in the long term and on cold January mornings!”
The new proposals will only affect less than 1% of the housing stock in the UK. The existing housing stock is responsible for 30% of UK carbon emissions, so there is clearly a huge potential here.
As the renewable energy debate matures it is believed that more weighting will be given to improving the efficiency of the existing building stock through refurbishment. There is a suggestion that the government will exempt newly built zero-carbon homes from stamp duty from April this year.
For more information on improving the energy efficiency of existing homes and businesses, please contact Fisher German LLP’s Building Consultancy Team, on 01530 412821.
- Ashby de la Zouch
- 01530 412821
- Banbury
- 01295 271 555
- Knutsford
- 01565 757970
- Market Harborough
- 01858 410 200
- Newark
- 01949 851815
- Southampton
- 02380 883150
- Stafford
- 01785 220 044
- Worcester
- 01905 453275
