Zero Carbon Hub progress hit by delays

An independent body set up to guide housebuilders towards zero-carbon targets is watering down its advice to builders as delays on the definition of the standard continue.

The Zero Carbon Hub, set up in June to make zero-carbon building a reality, needs the government to launch its consultation on the definition of the standard before it can get to work.

But the government, which delayed the consultation three months ago, still has no date for its launch.

Hub chief executive Neil Jefferson said the group planned to concentrate on helping builders achieve lower levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes in the meantime.

He said: "It has been brought to my attention that we need to help the industry achieve the lower levels of the Code.

"I am very aware that in the current market there must be a focus around the energy requirements of levels three and four. Things have slowed down and so the industry needs help and guidance at these levels."

Jefferson said the group was developing a website that would link smaller housebuilders and showcase exemplar low-carbon developments.