Homeowners are not informed or prepared for the lifestyle changes needed to live in zero carbon homes, according to research launched today by the NHBC Foundation.
The report, Zero carbon: what does it mean for homeowners and housebuilders? identifies the attitudes of homeowners and builders towards the 2016 zero carbon agenda and the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Zero carbon: what does it mean for homeowners and housebuilders? was commissioned to help understand current levels of knowledge and awareness, to assess the degree of homeowner engagement and understanding of the issues and to help government and industry meet the targets and achieve their objectives.
The research shows that, without government and industry intervention, homeowners could be discouraged by some of the possible features and requirements of Code level 6 zero carbon homes, including airtightness and the absence of amenities such as power showers.
There is also significant concern about the additional costs involved, and the reliability of the new technologies that will be necessary to make zero carbon homes a reality.
The research also showed that energy efficiency is not a major factor when people are purchasing a home. Most respondents claimed that they would prefer a higher specification kitchen or bathroom to personal investment in energy efficient measures.
And, in an example of the so-called ‘carbon rebound theory,’ when asked how they would spend any savings accrued from lower energy bills, the most common single answer was ‘an overseas holiday involving air travel’.
Housing is currently responsible for approximately 30% of the UK’s total energy use, as well as 27% of all carbon emissions.
The Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford, MP, Chairman of the NHBC Foundation, said: “It is vital for homebuyers to actually want to live in zero carbon homes if they are to be a successful reality. If this does not happen, there is the distinct possibility that purchasers will decide against buying newly-built, low carbon properties. This could create serious problems both for the industry and for the Government’s targets for three million new homes in England by 2020.”
He added: “In order to achieve Level 6 of The Code, the next generation of housing will differ significantly from that of today. And while previous evolutionary changes in housing, such as double glazing, central heating and extra sanitary facilities, have had positive effects on lifestyle for the consumer, the proposals for improving the environmental performance of new homes may not necessarily be perceived in the same way.”
Housebuilders surveyed expressed a willingness to address the challenge and confidence in their own technical abilities. However, they are not as positive about the industry’s ability to build Code Level 6 homes profitably by 2016, which could have serious consequences for Government’s objective to increase the number of houses built each year by more than 50%.
The report shows concern from builders that homeowners could end up being the ‘test case’ for many of the newer and unproven microgeneration technologies.
Imtiaz Farookhi, Chief Executive of the NHBC, said: “We welcome this report. We know that meeting the 2016 target is not just about technology but also, as the research demonstrates, about homeowners and purchasers.
One of NHBC’s key objectives is to ensure that homeowners have an understanding and ownership of the lifestyle changes needed, that they don’t unwittingly serve as guinea pigs for the introduction of new technologies and that they are fully engaged with the challenging journey ahead.”
The research involved both qualitative and quantitative activities, and assesses the attitudes of a number of key target groups, including housebuilders, homeowners living in newly built homes, and homeowners living in older housing stock. Focus groups featured in the report are first-time buyers, flat owners, families and retirees, as well as residents of existing low energy homes in Milton Keynes, built in the 1980s and 1990s.
Zero carbon: what does it mean for homeowners and housebuilders? is the most recent report in a rolling programme of research projects by the NHBC Foundation. Download your copy at: www.nhbcfoundation.org
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The NHBC Foundation was established by NHBC in partnership with the BRE Trust to facilitate research and development, technology and knowledge sharing, and the capture of industry best practice in the pursuit of improved building standards for the new-build housing sector.
Media contact Mandate Communications:
Amy Reed 0207 379 5000, amy.reed@yourmandate.com
Kate Jones, 0207 379 5000, kate.jones@yourmandate.com