Government gets its way – Zero Carbon homes 'sent to the scrap heap'

Policies to introduce greener homes to cities across the UK using the zero-carbon homes policy have been ditched. The Government eventually defeated proposed amendments to the Housing and Planning Bill by four votes.

The Housing and Planning Bill, which recently received Royal Assent, has finally brought the discussion on Britain's zero-carbon home plans to an end. UK Government finally managed to veto future changes. Instead, they opted to bring in a 12-month review of the energy efficiency standard for new homes in building regulations.

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “We are already building some of the most energy efficient homes in the world. Our current standards are tough and already have the full support of the industry.”

The Government has been aiming to speed up the construction of new housing without adding costs and regulations in that would make the work of house builders any more difficult. Campaigners are now worried that the new law could make the UK’s attempts to reduce carbon emissions even more difficult.

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) was a leading force in the amendment process. The original amendment was approved by 48 votes. It called upon the Secretary of State to ensure “that all new homes in England built from 1 April 2018 achieve the carbon compliance standard”.

Commenting on the decision for the amendment to be dumped, UKGBC’s chief executive Julie Hirigoyen said “At UKGBC, we will continue to push for higher standards during the Government’s upcoming review of building regulations.”

At least 8,000 zero-carbon homes are due to be constructed in the near future, thanks to a £1.1bn cash injection which will see 4000 homes built between 2016 and 2018. They’ll be complete with rooftop solar panels, energy storage systems and waste-to-energy technologies.

Click here to find out more about current building regulations.

Related News

Controversial Housing Bill passed after parliamentary ping pong

Right to Buy changes condemned by MPs

Lords defeats Government on Zero Carbon homes Amendment