New building regs 'tough but will concentrate the mind'
Builders - 14/12/2006 17:05:44
Builders face a tough challenge to make all homes carbon neutral by 2016, a national housing body has claimed.
Dave Mitchell, from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), has said that the 2016 deadline laid down by the government will "concentrate the mind" in the pursuit of carbon neutrality and help the UK hit emission targets.
However, he added that the target was fully achievable and should give builders the incentive to do their part for sustainable housing.
Mr Mitchell, technical director at the HBF, said: "The guidelines are very challenging but I think with the right set of conditions they are achievable.
"We have asked for a framework so that we can clearly see the way forward and we have been asking for that for some time now. With the right conditions we can achieve this."
A government document published today has outlined plans to ensure that future housing developments are sustainable and has set out a Code for Sustainable Homes.
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