Revise 2016 Zero-Carbon Targets Says RICS

According to RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) if the UK Government is to achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions from homes in England, then it needs to set a realistic target of building all new homes to emit 70% less carbon. It is not realistic to achieve zero carbon by 2016

It feels that in the current economic climate building zero carbon homes is currently too expensive and it would be unrealistic to expect all homes to achieve these standards.

Gillian Charlesworth, director of external affairs at RICS said: “We believe that, given the financial constraints caused by the downturn, the government should be aiming to maximise reductions in carbon emissions in a cost effective manner. RICS wants to see achievable solutions. Resources should be allocated to lower cost measures that will provide maximum insulation to homes. This would be a pragmatic solution towards reducing our carbon footprint, given the current recession.”

RICS still considers that the Government’s ultimate policy goal should still be to achieve a 100% reduction in emissions from new homes however any target set for 2016 must be kept under review by the Government.

In a recent submission to the government it was universally agreed that to achieve low Carbon homes the key focuse should be on the following:

• flexibility, looking at appropriate solutions for appropriate sites
• raising standards and encouraging innovation
• driving down costs through economies of scale
• land values
• changing attitudes to life style and maintenance of homes.