Insulation, microgeneration suggested for zero-carbon homes

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Improved insulation and on site microgeneration are among the proposals made by a government consultation on achieving zero-carbon homes.

The consultation launched today by housing minister Margaret Beckett maintains the government’s commitment to ensuring all new homes built from 2016 are carbon neutral.

Ms Beckett said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world, and introducing zero carbon homes is an important part of our plans to tackle this, as well as further action to tackle emissions from the existing housing stock.

“I am absolutely committed to our 2016 target, and this demanding goal is already spurring action here and abroad.”

The proposals for meeting the target include setting a minimum carbon reduction that developer must achieve through the inclusion of improved insulation or onsite microgeneration – small scale renewable energy generation.

In the recent Climate Change Bill, the government committed to reducing national emissions by 80 per cent – according to the Department for Communities and Local Government, homes generate more than a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions.