All new homes carbon neutral by 2016 says Cooper

Posted: 14 Dec 2006 10:04:13 GMT

The government has unveiled plans to encourage "green" home building, saying that new regulations will ensure that all homes are carbon neutral by 2016

The government has unveiled plans to encourage "green" home building, saying that new regulations will ensure that all homes are carbon neutral by 2016.

The regulations will be launched in stages over the next ten years. Around 27 per cent of all carbon emissions in the UK are from energy used to heat, light and run homes.

The efficiency measures will also offer homeowners the added incentive of massively reduced utility bills, said housing minister Yvette Cooper.

"With a rising population and more people living in smaller households the demands on housing are only set to increase," Ms Cooper said.

"It is vital that homes and other buildings are as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible."

In addition to new building regulations, homes will also be given a carbon rating showing how efficient they are on a scale of one to six, becoming mandatory in 2008.


© Houseladder Ltd