Conference to discuss zero-carbon homes

A conference in Scotland is to investigate ways of achieving the government's aim of making all new homes in Britain carbon neutral by 2016.

The future Homes event, held at the Crichton Carbon Centre in Dumfries, will look at how design and building techniques can be advanced to ensure these targets are achieved, the BBC reports.

Guest speaker at the event Chris Herring, chairman of the Association of Environment Conscious Builders, said a "well-built, well-insulated, airtight house" was the best way to achieve the target.

Those looking to self build their own house may look to take care of ensuring this target is met by their own choice of design, materials and construction techniques.

Earlier this week the Welsh assembly government's environment minister Jane Davidson reiterated that all new homes in Wales will have to meet the target by 2011, the Green Building press reports.