Berkeley Group and Crest Nicholson top sustainability poll

Berkeley Group and Crest Nicholson have been named the house builders best tackling climate change in a new poll.

A study by sustainability specialist NextGeneration found that house builders have ramped up their eco-friendly credentials over the past 12 months, with Miller Homes and Inspace Partnerships performing strongly.

In 2007 no building firms had climate change policies in place, but eight top firms surveyed this year have developed a policy showing a commitment to carbon reduction.

Around 40% of house builders have also developed tools to help them understand how to meet targets in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Parliamentary under-Secretary of State Iain Wright urged the sector not to lose sight of sustainability goals during the economic downturn.

“This report underlines that the whole industry has made a good start and appreciates the scale of the challenge, but we cannot rest on our laurels. 

"Now is the time to press on and follow the lead of the 2016 taskforce and the industry-led 2016 delivery hub in making our zero carbon ambitions a reality,” he said.

UK Green Building Council chief executive Paul King said there was an economic risk in ignoring sustainability.

“The business risk of not planning for a carbon constrained economy is growing by the day, while the rewards from re-engineering businesses to deliver cost-effective low and, in time, zero carbon homes, will be significant,” he said.