New proposals pave way for zero-carbon homes

New proposals that aim to reduce carbon emissions in UK properties have been announced by communities minister Andrew Stunell.

These new building regulations hope to make premises warmer and cheaper to run and have been developed alongside the construction industry, helping to pave the way for zero-carbon homes to be introduced from 2016.

Launching the consultation, Mr Stunell said: "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."

Mr Stunell continued by saying that making homes more sustainable will assist in keeping people warm, lowering bills and boosting jobs within the construction industry.

These new plans follow Professor Roger Kemp of Lancaster University's claim that the UK cannot continue to heat a high number of properties with natural gas and still attain its aim of making an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050.