Construction sector commends Gov’s zero-carbon building proposals

Announcing the consultation yesterday, the proposed ‘Allowable Solutions’ include undertaking the full 100% of carbon abatement on site or through connected measures, off-site actions such as improving other existing buildings, such as retrofitting, renewable heat or energy schemes, or by building to a higher standard than the current Part L requirements.

It also proposes using a third party Allowable Solutions provider to deliver carbon abatement measures for builders which are sufficient to meet the housebuilders’ obligations.

UK Green Building Council’s (UK-GBC) chief executive, Paul King, said: “The proposals for how builders can meet the zero carbon 2016 target seem sensible, and build on the recommendations made by a UK-GBC Task Group back in 2008, and extensive work since carried out by the industry through the Zero Carbon Hub.

“As our report said in 2008, we believe the price of Allowable Solutions should be set to encourage community level solutions first. We also welcome the proposal that Allowable Solutions should also be available for non-domestic buildings – something we’ve consistently called for,” he added.

Leigh Stringer