All new homes to be carbon-neutral

All new homes will carbon-neutral by 2016, Chancellor Gordon Brown said in his pre-budget report. He also pledged that zero carbon homes will be exempt from stamp duty from 2007 onwards.

Industry body the House Builders Federation has welcomed the news “in principle”. Executive Chairman Stewart Baseley said: “We hope that 10 years is the right timeframe. The challenge is to ensure…that all homebuilding companies have the right capacity and that the government sticks to its existing housing supply targets.

“The stamp duty exemption could provide the impetus to help homebuilders respond to changing consumer demands”.

The Chancellor’s plans also have the backing of communities’ secretary Ruth Kelly. She said: “I am pleased to see such a green focus. Building the homes we need for future generations whilst meeting our climate change goals is one of the most complex environment challenges facing the country.”

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