Global efforts to cut carbon are gathering pace, but at different rates, claims report
The NHBC Foundation, Zero Carbon Hub and PRP Architects are today publishing the first ever global snapshot of individual countries’ progress towards achieving lower energy emissions and zero carbon targets in housing.
The Zero Carbon Compendium: a record of who’s doing what in housing worldwide is a unique report comparing the progress and aspirations of 15 major countries in improving the sustainability and carbon efficiency of their new homes. Including energy consumption and climatic data, as well as analysis of national policy targets and achievements, the report shows that the rate and nature of reform in each territory varies hugely, but overall progress on low carbon housing has been significant.
For the UK, the report shows that the target for England and Wales to reach zero carbon by 2016 is one of the most ambitious internationally, but that these countries are well-placed to achieve this. The UK is also unique in using carbon emissions (tonnes of CO2 ) instead of energy (kilowatt-hours) as its key measurement metric.
Further, the UK is one of the only countries to propose including both regulated energy (primarily heating and hot water) and unregulated energy (including appliances used within the home) in the criteria for zero carbon measurement.
Observations for other countries in the Compendium include:
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Australia |
Energy efficiency regulations introduced in 2003 now mean that many houses achieve a 6 star energy rating |
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Austria |
Has improved household energy efficiency by 23% between 1990-2006 and there are now over 2,000 Passivhaus buildings |
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Canada |
Aims to reduce energy demand by almost 25% of current energy use by 2030 |
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China |
The rate of growth and construction means that by 2015, half of all buildings will be less than 15 years old |
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Denmark |
Intends for renewable energy to provide for 20% of the country’s demand by 2011 |
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France |
Is aiming for the majority of buildings to have ‘positive’ energy by 2020 (producing more energy than they consume) |
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Germany |
Plans to increase the volume of energy produced from renewable sources to 30% by 2030 |
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Ireland |
Aims to achieve a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020 |
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Japan |
Has set a target for energy saving measures to be implemented in 40% of households by 2015 |
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Netherlands |
Has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 |
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New Zealand |
Produces 54% of electricity through hydropower and a total of 67% by renewables |
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Sweden |
Has the highest proportion of renewable energy in the EU |
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Switzerland |
Has, until recently, been self-sufficient and able to export energy in the summer months |
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USA |
Funds more research into new technologies than any other nation |
Commenting on the report Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of NHBC, said: “This compendium provides a comprehensive and invaluable overview of how other countries are approaching and meeting the challenge of reducing carbon emissions in housing. Inevitably, every country has its own unique domestic circumstances and approach, but it is reassuring to see the collective advancements being made and on such a scale.
”The UK, in particular, is setting the bar extremely high with aspirations that look beyond those of many other countries – indeed, we are the only country to propose including carbon emissions from appliances in our targets. We have also started from a different point of development from many other countries, which already have clear, long-term policies in place.”
Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Zero Carbon Hub, added: “We know the UK target of net zero carbon for each new home from 2016 is ambitious. The compendium clearly shows just how stretching this target is in comparison with the ambitions of other countries, but it also provides valuable insight into how we can achieve our goal.
“Over the past year the Hub has been working closely with industry and Government on a revised definition of zero carbon for new homes. We hope to have an announcement from Government shortly regarding their consultation and this report is a valuable set of learnings to help move the definition forward to a practical and workable stage.”
Notes to Editors
Media contact at Mandate:
John Williams or Kate Jones
About the Zero Carbon Compendium
The compendium was produced to help provide an international context to housing developments in the UK. 15 countries were selected as case studies for the report – they were selected using a ranking system, covering a range of criteria, from a base list covering all seven continents.
For each, information is given on geographic, climatic and statistical indicators, as well as a review of its approach to low- and zero-energy housing.
About the NHBC Foundation
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.
NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established more than 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers. NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80% of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 7 million homes to date.
The BRE Trust is a charity for research and education in the built environment. Its chief goal is to ensure earnings from the companies it owns deliver against its charitable education and research mission. BRE is one of the companies owned by The BRE Trust and it is commissioned to undertake projects by both public and private organisations.
About the Zero Carbon Hub
Launched in June 2008, the Zero Carbon Hub is a non-profit company established to take day-to-day operational responsibility for co-ordinating delivery of low and zero carbon new homes.
The three key objectives of the Zero Carbon Hub are to:
- Provide leadership and create confidence
- Reduce risk and clear obstacles
- Disseminate information