Zero-carbon exemption for Starter Homes "shorter-sighted"

The Conservative party has announced their intention to make 100,000 started homes exempt from the zero carbon standard. However the UK Green Building Society has warned that the move would be “incredibly short-sighted.” The scheme will give first time buyers a 20% discount on purchasing a new home. The homes will however be sold for a lower cost because they are exempt from a range of obligations which include the zero carbon home standard.

Director of policy and communication and acting CEO at the UK Green Building Council, John Alker said:

“The Conservative plan to exempt starter homes from the zero carbon standard is incredibly short-sighted. For a minimal additional up front cost, zero carbon homes provide lower energy bills over their lifetime, and encourage the use of renewable energy locally.” “There would be a sad irony if these starter homes locked 100,000 first time buyers into a legacy of higher energy bills and poorer quality housing for years to come.”