DEFINING A FABRIC ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR ZERO CARBON HOMES
Presented as a new Standard, the recommendations aim to deliver a high yet practical energy performance level for all new homes. The Standard focuses on the fabric of the home, to secure long lasting benefit for home owners and occupiers, and to make sure that energy efficiency plays a proportionate part in the ultimate delivery of zero carbon homes.
These recommendations are made following an intensive period of consideration and consultation by a Task Group established by the Zero Carbon Hub and in response to a call for guidance in this area in July 2009 from the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG).
Embedding a high level of energy efficiency within the 2016 zero carbon homes policy is an important step. Minimising energy demand will ensure that dwellings utilise Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) energy sources in the most efficient way. Focusing efforts on the comparatively long-lived building fabric helps to ‘future proof’ homes meaning they will be less likely to require difficult and expensive refurbishment upgrades at a later date. This supports the Government’s parallel agendas of carbon reduction, long term energy security and reducing fuel poverty.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARD VIDEO UPDATE 24/11/09