Shapps commits to 2016 zero carbon housing target

Nearly half of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the built environment and homes account for 27 per cent of those emissions.

A commitment to make all new homes zero carbon by 2016 had been undertaken by the last Government and the housing industry has been working towards that target for the past three years. The previous Government had also been working on setting a new zero carbon standard for homes, but that work had not concluded.

"When we were in Opposition I said that I endorsed the concept of building all new homes to a zero carbon standard, and that remains my position," said Shapps. "I know how important it is to industry to have a clear definition as soon as possible – so that house builders can buy land with confidence and start to design the homes of the future, and so that the supply chain can gear up production of the technologies that will be needed.

"I will be publishing a final zero carbon definition in a matter of weeks so that the industry can get on and deliver the improved eco-friendly homes we need."

Shapps did not address how the Government would tackle a zero carbon target for non-domestic buildings, yesterday.