Most people in Britain want to see more action from the government to compel developers to cut the carbon emissions of new homes, according to new reports.

A poll carried out on behalf of the National Housing Federation has revealed that 72 per cent of Britons want the Climate Change bill to enshrine low emission targets for new homes built privately.

Housing associations have already had strict guidelines laid down, but the majority of new houses are built by private developers.

A substantial majority of those surveyed (86 per cent) want a requirement of 25 per cent less emissions in privately developed new homes in place by April next year.

"This poll shows that people feel so strongly about climate change that they want greener homes, even though they will cost more to build," said the federation's chief executive David Orr.

"Not only do green homes mean lower carbon emissions, but through enhanced energy efficiency, they lead to far lower fuel bills for our residents."

Mr Orr added that the lack of regulations constraining private developers in comparison to housing association was a cause of concern.

He warned that without "tough standards… many more carbon emissions will be pumped into the environment than would otherwise be the case".

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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