Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

Report queries whether eco homes will sell

Posted: 03/04/2008

Homeowners are not informed or prepared for the lifestyle changes needed to live in zero carbon homes, according to research launched today by the NHBC Foundation The report, Zero carbon: what does it mean for homeowners and housebuilders? identifies the attitudes of homeowners and builders towards the 2016 zero carbon agenda and the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The research shows that, without government and industry intervention, homeowners could be discouraged by some of the possible features and requirements of Code level 6 zero carbon homes, including airtightness and the absence of amenities such as power showers.

There is also significant concern about the additional costs involved, and the reliability of the new technologies that will be necessary to make zero carbon homes a reality.

The research also showed that energy efficiency is not a major factor when people are purchasing a home. Most respondents claimed that they would prefer a higher specification kitchen or bathroom to personal investment in energy efficient measures. And, in an example of the so-called `carbon rebound theory,' when asked how they would spend any savings accrued from lower energy bills, the most common single answer was `an overseas holiday involving air travel'.

Housing is currently responsible for approximately 30% of the UK's total energy use, as well as 27% of all carbon emissions.

The Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford, MP, Chairman of the NHBC Foundation, said: "It is vital for homebuyers to actually want to live in zero carbon homes if they are to be a successful reality. If this does not happen, there is the distinct possibility that purchasers will decide against buying newly-built, low carbon properties. This could create serious problems both for the industry and for the Government's targets for three million new homes in England by 2020."

He added: "In order to achieve Level 6 of The Code, the next generation of housing will differ significantly from that of today. And while previous evolutionary changes in housing, such as double glazing, central heating and extra sanitary facilities, have had positive effects on lifestyle for the consumer, the proposals for improving the environmental performance of new homes may not necessarily be perceived in the same way."

Commenting on the NHBC report, the Chairman of the New Homes Marketing Board, David Pretty CBE, said: “This report shows the great challenges and conflicting pressures we all face in greening our housing. Most people agree that reducing carbon emissions from their homes is an important objective and it’s right that our national targets should be demanding.

However, those buying the new low and zero carbon homes of the future will also want them to be affordable, comfortable and reliable, with manageable maintenance arrangements. The report highlights that we must heed customers’ views if we are to successfully achieve lower carbon homes standards while also increasing housing supply.

He added: “At the same time, we must also remember that there are huge carbon savings to be made by improving the energy efficiency of existing homes which make up over 90% of our housing stock. We need a national strategy to develop affordable solutions for all homes.”

Green Building Press  
 

Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

2408