Task force tells government: Zero carbon definition must change

The government must change the definition of zero carbon to allow off-site renewable energy if it is to meet its own housing targets, new research has found.

The UK Green Building Council’s (GBC) report on the definition of zero carbon claims up to 80% of new homes could fail meet the current zero carbon definition.

It upholds housebuilders' concerns that a ban on use of off-site renewable energy, not connect to developments via private wire, is too restrictive.

It proposes that while the majority of zero carbon homes of the future should self-generate their own energy, some near-site or off-site renewable energy should be allowed.

UK GBC chief executive Paul King said if the government failed to change the definition it would not meet its target to build 240,000 new homes a year.

He said: “Government’s level of ambition is spot on and should be supported 100%. This is not about dumbing down or abandoning the concept of zero carbon.

“This is about ensuring the same high level of carbon savings, but allowing developers more flexibility in how to get there to deliver mainstream, zero carbon homes in the numbers required.”

The group recommends off-site solutions be allowed if they are additional and have been built to deliver the energy needs of the development.

It also suggests the developer pay into a community energy fund to ensure equal or greater net carbon savings are delivered through new installations.

The zero carbon taskforce, headed by Barratt Development chief executive Mark Clare, involved major stakeholders from within the industry and will report its findings to government.