Architects and sustainable builders back zero carbon in the construction supply chain

Architects and sustainable builders back zero carbon in the construction supply chain

A number of prominent sustainable architects and other green experts in the building sector have backed an MP report that calls for the reinstatement of the zero carbon new homes policy.

The report, entitled Sustainability and HM Treasury, was published by the Environmental Audit Committee earlier this month. It recommended that the zero carbon standard for new homes, which was scrapped last year, be brought back.

“There is a risk that costs to the economy and householders will increase in the long-term […] because new homes will need to be retrofitted to improve their energy efficiency and therefore contribute towards meeting the UK’s 2050 carbon targets.

“The decision [to scrap the standard] harms the development of new markets for innovative energy-saving products and wastes years of the industry’s sunk costs,” the report stated.

The UK Green Building Council said that it is in favour of the report and its recommendations. John Alker, Campaign and Policy Director for the UK Green Building Council, said: “The scrapping of the zero carbon homes policy showed not only an irresponsible disregard for the steps we need to take to tackle climate change, but it also overlooked the years of investment and preparation made by thousands of businesses across the construction supply chain.” He added that investor, industry and jobs confidence have been significantly damaged by the policy landscape’s volatile nature.

The Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) also released a statement that expressed its support of the MP report. Tassos Kougionis, Principal Consultant for Residential at the company’s Sustainable Construction Group, said: “Long-term sustainability targets should always be favoured over Government short-term priorities, especially if this ensures value for money. Zero carbon buildings, both domestic and non-domestic, are energy-efficient, comfortable, and contribute positively to the occupants’ wellbeing.”