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Published 01 July 2013 | Standard notes SN06678

Authors: Paul Lester, Elena Ares

Topic: Climate change, Energy conservation, Housing

The purpose of this note is to outline the Government’s plans for zero carbon homes and give an update on the latest developments. The current Government uses Part L of building regulations, the ‘Standard Assessment Procedure’ (SAP) and the Code for Sustainable Homes to set energy performance standards, and to determine the performance of dwellings.

The Labour Government set out the original plans for zero carbon homes in their consultation document Building a Greener Future in 2006. The coalition Government has amended the proposals with the aim of striking a balance between zero carbon goals and the stimulation of growth in the house building industry. The concept of ‘Allowable Solutions’ has been introduced to widen the possibility of what off-site carbon reductions can be considered.

A commitment to delivering zero carbon homes from 2016 was included in the Budget 2013. At the time of writing a detailed plan from DCLG is shortly to be published.

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