Food & Global Warming (22.08.09) |
ZERO CARBON HOMES - July 09
Last Thursday (16th July) the Government made an announcement on the definition for zero carbon homes, as part of their newly published Low Carbon Transition Plan for 2016.
As many of you know the 'zero carbon definition' consultation was launched because the previous definition of zero carbon was seen by many as being unworkable. The Government now believe they have a more 'workable' zero carbon definition: 1. high levels of energy efficiency, at a standard which is appropriate for UK conditions( and minimum energy efficiency standards will be released at the end of the year) 2. a 70% carbon compliance level: i.e. minimum 70% of the dwelling's carbon emissions needs to be offset through on-site renewable energy production. It still includes CO2 related from energy use in home for light/water and space heating and cooking and any 'plug in' devices. 3. allowable solutions for the 30% of the energy not met on site can be provided by off-site measures. The allowable solutions will cover carbon emitted from the home for 30 years after build. These allowable solutions could be: more renewables on site or off-site, export of excess renewable heat to nearby properties, investing and reducing CO2 in existing buildings through refurbishment,... More in Building and UK Government statement. |