Sustainable homes code questioned

A provision in the Code for Sustainable Homes could lead to new properties being less eco-friendly than existing homes, a housing body has warned.

The Good Homes Alliance (GHA) has said a loophole in the code allows homes to be built in a less carbon-efficient way if they have electric heating rather than another fuel source, as the higher carbon production of electricity is taken into account when calculating the percentage of carbon emissions which can be reduced, the Green Building press reports.

As a result, builders installing electrical heating can get away with building a home which is less energy efficient than a home with gas heating that conforms to levels 3 or 4 of current building regulations.

GHA chairman Neil May said: "Ironically, the loophole in the Code for Sustainable Homes is encouraging developers to install cheaper electric heating which produces higher carbon emissions, or to compromise on the building form."

Those keen on living in eco-homes may decide to use the self build method to ensure theirs meet the highest possible standards.

UK government targets stipulate that by 2016 all new homes must be carbon neutral.


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