According to many eco-experts, the current government is in danger of setting too many targets that it firstly cannot hope to reach and secondly, seeking a way out with loose definitions.

And a large number of organisations and activists are becoming a little worried as to the increasing levels of confusion.

Take carbon zero homes for example. The government has a target that all new homes after 2016 should be carbon neutral. Very laudable, yet since the government announced this target in 2006, the construction industry has spent years trying to define a carbon neutral home.

The backdrop to this target is more government ambitions, such as reducing U.K. CO2 emissions by 2050. And housing is one of the areas where many hopes are invested. This housing sector is responsible for around 25% of all U.K. emissions. And given that 35% of the housing that will be around in 2050 is likely to be built from now, it is clear why such an emphasis is being placed on low and zero carbon new homes.

When the target was first envisaged, carbon zero status was achieved when a property, over the course of a year, would emit no carbon emissions from its appliances, heating and lighting. This usually meant that a housing development would be carbon neutral by making use of off-site technologies.

Great, but there followed some months of studies which examined the feasibility of such off-site measures. In short, many of the original recommendations and methods of achieving a zero carbon status home were deemed to be unworkable.

So, a new set of standards were prepared which introduced a range of allowable solutions. This included such old on-site stalwarts as low energy lighting, better insulation and alternative fuel use.

In short, the construction industry is still somewhat confused as to how new homes can become carbon free by 2016, given that the debate between on-site and off-site solutions continues.

And this, say the experts, is one of many areas in which confusion reigns. If the government worthy targets are going to have any hope of being met say many in the sector, then some joined up thinking will be needed, and quickly.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

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