Builders cannot match eco-standards

18/07/2008

Builders cannot meet 2016 zero-carbon targets, unless the government changes its energy policy.

According to industry publication Building, Stewart Baseley, chair of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), has written to the housing minister, Claire Flint to tell her they cannot achieve it alone.

Mr Basley argues builders working in house construction jobs can only reach levels three to four of the Code for Sustainable Homes, government will have to enforce renewable energy laws to reach its level six target.

The HBF's director of external affairs said the letter was not evidence of its withdrawal from zero-carbon commitments.

John Slaughter said it was just "part of an ongoing process of defining zero carbon".

2016 standards require buildings to be powered by renewable energy, although some developers have suggested it may not be economically viable to do so.

The application of the Merton Rule, pioneered by the Borough of Merton is affecting major development projects as it requires the use of renewable energy onsite to reduce CO2 emissions.

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