CARBON EMISSIONS AND NEW HOMES

Early day motion 1046, tabled 26 February 2008 by David Drew (Labour). Signed by 103 members.

That this House recognises the need to improve domestic energy efficiency in order to tackle climate change and reduce fuel poverty; welcomes the introduction of carbon reduction targets for new homes; however notes that in line with the Code for Sustainable Homes all new homes built using Government grant are required to reduce carbon emissions by 25 per cent. from April 2008, 44 per cent. from 2012 and to become zero carbon from 2015, whilst private developers will have until 2010, 2013 and 2016 respectively to meet the same targets; is concerned that if three-quarters of the housing market is allowed to lag behind in this way green technologies will not sufficiently benefit from economies of scale and prices will remain unnecessarily high, deterring product take up and imposing higher building costs on the affordable housing sector; and therefore supports the National Housing Federation's campaign asking the Government to commit private developers to the same environmental standards and timetable as housing associations as soon as possible.

Signatures by party: Labour 55, Liberal Democrat 30, Conservative 8, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 2, Independent 2, Independent Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.