Relaxed carbon targets will make homes cheaper to build
Revised government carbon reduction targets for new homes will provide house builders with more cash in their pockets, enabling them to build more houses, faster.
A consultation on Building Regulations, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government, confirmed that carbon reduction limits will now be eight per cent in new homes. The limit will stand at 20 per cent for non-domestic buildings.
This is some way off the 25 per cent proposed by the Labour party, but the government argues it is a step in the right direction and one which will benefit the property industry financially.
Building.co.uk reports that a new home with a 25 per cent CO2 reduction target, based on the standards of a home built in 2010, would cost a house builder an extra £795 per new home.
However, those in quantity surveyor or architecture jobs can be assured that plans for zero carbon homes are still due to go into effect from 2016.
The communities minister, Andrew Stunell, confirmed on Communities.gov.uk: "A quarter of the carbon emissions produced each year come from our homes, so it is vital we get to grips with energy efficiency to tackle this problem.
"Making our homes more sustainable will also keep people warm, drive down bills and support jobs in the construction industry."