New research has found that most Brits would support forcing private developers to drastically cut the carbon emissions of new homes.

According to the survey, seven out of ten people want the House of Lords to force private developers to adhere to strict environmental guidelines over the energy efficiency of new properties.

The study comes on the heels of a report from the National Housing Federation (NHF) which found that just two per cent of new homes built by private developers currently meet the government's minimum sustainable standards.

By comparison, some 92 per cent of dwellings built by public-sector housing associations make the grade - prompting NHF chief executive David Orr to call for a level playing field among all of the UK's developers.

"We're concerned that because private developers are not being compelled to build to the same tough standards as us, many more carbon emissions will be pumped into the environment," Mr Orr explained.

He added that green homes not only have a beneficial impact on the environment, but they also lead to "far lower fuel bills" for residents.

The government has set a target of building three million new homes by 2020.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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