Comment

Representation ID: 25174

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

This policy looks for all new residential developments to maximise opportunities for the use of on-site renewable and low carbon energy sources, where this is practical and viable. It goes on to state that all major residential developments should look to provide a site wide heating and cooling system where reasonable and practical and to connect to wider district heating and cooling networks both for energy supply and export, especially where these utilise renewable energy. It also states that residential development of 50 or more dwellings should strongly aim to achieve zero net-carbon emissions, with all residential developments to meet Future Homes Standard by 2025.

It is noted that this policy is setting a target ahead of the Government target of net Zero Carbon by 2050. The HBF does not generally object to encouragement for the need to minimise the carbon emissions. The HBF supports moving towards greater energy efficiency via a nationally consistent set of standards and a timetable for achieving any enhancements which is universally understood and technically implementable. The HBF acknowledges that the Government has not enacted its proposed amendments to the Planning & Energy Act 2008 to prevent the Council from stipulating energy performance standards that exceed the Building Regulations. However, the HBF considers that the key to success is standardisation and avoidance of every Council in the country specifying its own approach to energy efficiency, which would undermine economies of scale for both product manufacturers, suppliers and developers.

The Government has consulted on The Future Homes Standard. The UK has set in law a target to bring all its greenhouse gas emission to net zero by 2050. New and existing homes account for 20% of emissions. It is the Government’s intention to future proof new homes with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency. The Government wants to create certainty and consistency. An uplift to Part L standards will improve the energy efficiency of new homes and prepare housebuilders and supply chains in readiness for the further uplift in 2025 to meet the Future Homes Standard.