IEMA "Cautiously Welcomes" Movement on Zero Carbon Homes Policy

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) has welcomed key environmental policies that have been identified as an aim for the next year by the Government. The Queen made the announcement of the intention to introduce new legislation in what is her final speech to the current Parliament, at the State Opening of Parliament. 

The new legislation would "enable all new homes to be built to a zero carbon standard" and is an announcement IEMA have been eager to hear.

Nick Blyth, Policy and Practice Lead at IEMA, stated, "the Zero Carbon Homes commitment has suffered from extended delay and policy uncertainty. It will be good to see the policy implemented and much needed clarity for developers and stakeholders interested in this area. We look forward to consultation on the proposals."

"The continuing solutions element of zero carbon homes should continue to be viewed the final stage of a carbon reduction hierarchy approach, whereby the policy emphasis is first and foremost placed on at source carbon reductions through zero carbon design and energy efficiency. Carbon compensation however, through offsetting and other projects, will have a role to play on any residual emissions. Significant interest exists in the potential for compensatory schemes that are close to development sites or are UK based, for example, through well developed schemes such as the Forestry Commission's Woodland Carbon Code."

Additionally, the Queen outlines the new 5p charge on plastic carrier bags, as an effort to "help protect the environment". Nick Blyth said of the new charge, which has yet to be enforced, "Green taxes, which this 5p charge certainly is, have the potential to drive environment and sustainability right to the heart of business and consumer decision making. We support the approach to introduce a tax on plastic carrier bags and also more broadly the approach and principle of environmental taxation. We would like to see the Government reconfirm the policy commitment they made on environment tax principles in 2011."