New Homes Fail Even Basic Green Standards, Federation Warns |
 Nearly all new homes built by private developers in the Thames Valley area fail to meet even the most basic eco-friendly standards, the National Housing Federation revealed today.Under building regulations introduced this month private developers will have their homes rated against a new Code for Sustainable Homes, which will score properties for their energy efficiency and green credentials. But a loophole in the regulations is allowing developers to ignore the code and to continue to build homes which emit carbon at the same damaging levels. They can simply accept a “nil rating” under the code and avoid a physical assessment of the property, giving buyers little idea of how eco-friendly their new home actually is. Currently, just 2% of privately built homes meet voluntary standards on environmental sustainability under a similar code, called Eco Homes. The contrasts sharply with affordable homes built by housing associations , where 92% are rated as 'good' or 'very good'. The Federation, which represents England's housing associations, fears some developers will use the loophole to exaggerate the green credentials of their properties. Some homes could be marketed as having a rating under the code – even though it does not meet basic eco-standards and scores a nil. Federation officials are also concerned that some developers will claim the only reason they did not submit their homes to a full physical assessment was to avoid the extra expense involved. Currently, only housing associations are legally compelled to build to the tough new eco-friendly standards, which demands carbon emissions from properties are slashed by 25% and achieve at least a three star rating. But ministers have given private developers an extra two years before they meet the same standard. This get-out clause means families buying privately built new homes during this period, will face consistently higher fuel bills than more energy efficient housing association properties. It could also cost up to £19,000 to retrospectively fit eco measures, such as improved insulation and heat recovery systems, in these homes. Federation assistant director Gavin Smart called on the government to close the loophole and order private developers to build to the same standards as housing associations. Mr Smart said: "What is the point of an eco-ratings scheme if developers can opt-out to avoid a bad result? "The government needs to show leadership on this issue and make green homes the norm, not the exception. Housing associations are building homes that meet tough environmental standards, so private developers must be able to do this too - long before April 2010. "Ministers should raise the minimum building regulations to make sure all new homes are environmentally sound." He added: "My advice to house buyers is to be extra wary of any properties that haven't been assessed against the Code for Sustainable Homes. Don't just take the seller's word that a property is environmentally friendly." The loophole will not be closed until April 2010 - when all private developers will have to ensure that their homes reach at least three stars under the code. |