Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,
Andrew Sadler
New government rules say new homes and buildings across England are being asked to produce significantly less CO2 to help the country move closer to their net zero targets.
With a £6.6 billion direct investment into the improvement of energy efficient buildings, the government is now working to produce new CO2 emission regulations within the construction industry to help meet net zero targets quicker.
Under the new regulations, CO2 emissions from newly built homes need to be around 30% lower than the current standards. Emissions from other new buildings such as offices and shops must also reduce their CO2 emissions by 27%.
Currently, the latest figures show almost half of the homes in England are now rated C or above for energy efficiency, which is a huge increase compared to the 14% in 2010. However, we still have a while to go and the new regulations are helping us to get there.
What impact will it have on the Construction Industry?
The changes to the Building Regulations which have been set for the design, construction and alterations of buildings will have a huge impact on the housing and construction industry. The government has raised standards and are working to make sure the UK has a cleaner, greener built industry and environment. It will come into effect from June 2022 and we are super excited.
The regulation is slowly paving way for the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025 which will result in all future homes being net zero ready and not needing retrofitting.
Housing Minister Eddie Hughes says: “The government is doing everything it can to deliver net zero and slashing CO2 emissions from homes and buildings is vital to achieving this commitment.
The changes will significantly improve the energy efficiency of the buildings where we live, work and spend our free time and are an important step on our country’s journey towards a cleaner, greener built environment.”
Funding for Low Income Households
Luckily, there will be funding for low income households. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Local Authority Delivery Scheme and Home Upgrade Grant Scheme provide low income households with grants for insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.
How to cut down CO2 emissions
So, how do you cut down your CO2 emissions? Installing low carbon technology such as solar panels and heat pumps will help to cut emissions within your home and lower energy bills for families across the UK.
All new residential buildings such as homes, care homes, student accommodation and children’s homes also need to be designed to reduce overheating whilst also making sure they are fit for the future and protect the vulnerable.
With safety and COVID-19 an important element to remember, improvements to ventilation will be introduced to help support the safety of residents in newly built homes in addition to preventing the spread of airborne viruses.
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Want to reduce your carbon emissions, but unsure how?
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