New Homes, Zero Carbon: A Definition or an Empty Promise?
The future of zero carbon homes is set to change as new legislation is introduced which appears to alter the very definition of ‘zero carbon.’
21st August 2012 | Craig Smith: Associate Director, Rolton Group
As consultants, we currently look to level six of the Code for Sustainable Homes for a trustworthy definition, as this deals specifically with the issue of global warming potential. However, there is now an alternative approach to be considered.
According to the planned 2016 Building Regulations, new homes will have to meet on-site requirements of ‘Carbon Compliance’ to qualify as zero carbon. This is measured in terms of the energy efficiency of the fabric, the performance of heating, cooling and lighting systems, and low and zero carbon technologies within the building. Any carbon emissions that extend beyond this must be nullified by ‘Allowable Solutions,’ which allow developers to, for example, support other carbon-saving projects either on, near, or off-site and thus effectively cancel out their surplus emissions. Both of these initiatives will be needed in order to meet the upcoming Regulations, and will be monitored by Building Control.
The concept of ‘Allowable Solutions’ was first proposed by the Department of Communities and Local Government four years ago as a way of providing flexibility for delivering new zero carbon homes. It was brought in as a response to valid concerns first made by the Renewables Advisory Board, sat on by Rolton Group’s chairman Peter Rolton, and the UKGBC, to address the questionable practicality of level six of the Code for Sustainable Homes and its requirement that all carbon emissions must be mitigated on site. ‘Allowable Solutions’ permits the use of currently unauthorised building technologies as long as the emissions created are equalized by support to external carbon saving measures.
Whilst this may be a positive step towards affordable new builds, the recent Government Budget announcement made another adjustment, arguably going too far to make them feasible at the expense of the UK’s environmental commitments. The definition of ‘zero carbon’ has been revised such that
emissions from unregulated energy use (such as plug in appliances) are no longer taken into consideration, which seems rather counter-intuitive. To draw on the recent Olympic Games for a comparison, this is akin to shortening a marathon in order to increase one’s chances of crossing the finish line, making for a somewhat superficial victory. ‘Allowable Solutions’ will still need to account for the regulated emissions which exceed ‘Carbon Compliance,’ but this is significantly lower than the percentage to be seen if unregulated energy were to be included.
One could argue that the scheme simply encourages developers to think with their wallets rather than to create effective strategies and implement renewable and/or low carbon technologies. By making it so easy to use carbon and then wipe the slate clean, whilst forgetting about a large proportion of emissions all together, is this a step for the better? Or is the industry missing a chance to implement a balanced and considered solution to the difficulties of creating low carbon builds? The true definition of ‘zero carbon’ is undisputable, and changing what the term means on paper does not equate to changing the facts. Whilst the planned Building Regulations do address carbon issues in new housing, it is not to the previous extent, and certainly not to the extent that I feel it should.
The UK has international carbon targets to meet which are both intimidating and legally binding; having started with unachievable legislation, we have now swung too far in the other direction and will only damage our future chances by continuing on this path.
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