If the Government is to achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions from homes in England, then it needs to set a realistic target of building all new homes to emit 70% less carbon.

It is not realistic to achieve zero carbon immediately, according to RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) in its submission made to the UK Government.

Government will struggle to meet its targets of zero carbon by 2016 but a 70% reduction is technically and reliably achievable. Such a reduction would be possible through building energy efficient homes with access to on site technologies. Building zero carbon homes is currently too expensive and it would be unrealistic to expect all homes to achieve these standards.

RICS considers that the Government’s ultimate policy goal should still be to achieve a 100% reduction in emissions from new homes. Any target set for 2016 must be kept under review by the Government to ensure maximum impact. This review process must take into account advances in technology and increase the percentage reduction as it becomes viable and cost effective.

Gillian Charlesworth, Director of External Affairs at RICS said: “We believe that, given the financial constraints caused by the downturn, Government should be aiming to maximise reductions in carbon emissions in a cost effective manner. RICS wants to see achievable solutions. Resources should be allocated to lower cost measures that will provide maximum insulation to homes. This would be a pragmatic solution towards reducing our carbon footprint, given the current recession.”

RICS spokesperson and building energy efficiency expert Jerry Percy said: “Planning and building control also have a huge role to play. We need a more integrated approach to ensure that standards are met as the planning and regulatory systems are currently not delivering as they should be. Importantly, there needs to be a change of culture amongst property professionals to help achieve better outcomes”.