First Footprint for Low and Zero Carbon Group

5 February 2007

If the UK’s house building aims are to be achieved by 2016, experts from across the construction industry must work together now to share experience, innovation and best practice and expand the collective knowledge essential in delivering the government’s carbon saving objectives.

These were the stark words from Neil Schofield, Head of Sustainable Development at Worcester Bosch and Chairman of the Construction Products Association’s Low and Zero Carbon Buildings Group which has been launched to investigate the realities of delivering zero carbon homes in the UK.

Bringing together more than 50 experts from across the industry, Schofield went on to say:  ‘This group has been formed to support the move to zero carbon buildings and a mass market zero carbon housing, which will only happen if the industry works in an integrated manner. With people from all parts of the industry it is clear that there is not only interest but also a wealth of expertise that needs a focal point to allow the exchange knowledge and experience. Successful delivery of 200,000 zero carbon homes a year from 2016 onwards will need integrated working and this group has a crucial role to play in achieving this’.

The main focus for the group is to investigate;

• Low and zero carbon heating, hot water technologies and generation of electricity
• Buildings that have low energy demands through high performing fabric and components
• Projects and products that have aimed for low or zero carbon operation

Presentations were given about;

• Low and Zero Carbon Projects, - what can be done and what manufacturers could do to help further.
• The Practicalities of Low and Zero Carbon Installation - where theory meets reality
• Future Technologies
• Smart Metering - getting the consumer to understand that what they are using can result in significant savings and behaviour change

Speaking after the meeting, John Tebbit, Industry Affairs Director for the Construction Products Association said; ‘Zero carbon homes are possible now – indeed a few were built ten years ago – but the trade-offs in terms of cost or life style still make them a niche product. We have to make them mainstream by 2016. Industry can deliver if Government sets the targets, supports where necessary and refrains from micro-managing and gesture politics over the next nine years’.

The second meeting which is scheduled for the spring will focus on fabric, glazing, ventilation and PassivHaus technologies.