New homes housebuilders, however, are being driven to work towards achieving the Code. For example, level 1 of the Code, which will become building regulations by 2010, is higher than the current building regulations. A mandatory rating (not assessment) of all new homes looks likely to be implemented in April 2008, following a lengthy period of industry and government consultation.
A spokesman for eco-homes and sustainable development portal What Green Home, said: 'The introduction of a mandatory rating for new homes is a good move from the public’s point of view. As the Code becomes more visible to the public, and accepted by them, it is probable that developers will "up build" and those developments that achieve a zero-rating will become less desirable.'
'Consumer pressure working hand in hand with legislation will ensure that more energy-efficient new homes become the norm. The sad fact is that technologies and practices exist that could see more homes become zero-carbon. What’s the alternative? If we don’t act now, and significantly, we will end up with a planet on which we can’t live. The time for debate has passed, now we have to act.'
The British public seems largely in agreement. In two polls published on What Green Home, 75 and 80 per cent respectively of respondents said that they would be more likely to buy a new home that was eco-friendly, or would be interested in living in an environmentally-friendly home. Of course, that doesn’t mean they will buy one, or can afford to, but it does indicate an awareness and interest in sustainability that housebuilders would do well to listen to. Fortunately, several are.
Which Developers Are Acting?
Berkeley Homes recently declared that all its new developments commencing after January 2008 would achieve at least level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Telford Homes has pledged to design and construct schemes to reduce its environmental impact.
Crest Nicholson in partnership with BioRegional Quintain is developing One Brighton in New England Quarter, Brighton, which will achieve level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The first phase of 172 studio, one-and two-bedroom eco-apartments were released for sale in November 2007, priced from £145,000. Designed in accordance with the 10 One Planet Living principles in order to provide a comprehensive lifestyle-orientated approach to sustainability, electricity will be supplied from guaranteed renewable sources, supplemented by eight roof-mounted wind turbines. Hot water and heating will be provided from a biomass boiler that uses renewable fuel.
