The environmental lobby is concerned that the decision to scrap the Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH) means a step back for low carbon homes, but this may well prove to be the most sensible move the Government has made with regards to the energy performance of new homes.
SIG360 has long been calling for consolidation of regulations governing low carbon homes, which are at best confusing and at worst directly contradictory.
The clash between some elements of the Code and the Building Regulations has caused particular consternation among housing developers – and that’s without even throwing PassivHaus into the mix.
"The number of houses we need to build in order to meet demand over the coming months and years is truly staggering, and anything we can do to remove legislative hurdles and help the market to gain the momentum it needs will be welcomed by the industry," said Andrew Orriss, Head of Business Development, SIG360.
"However we need to make sure that in cutting extraneous regulations we do not lose valuable guidelines that will help us to deliver low carbon homes.
"The Government has taken an important decision; we now look forward to seeing how they plan to preserve the most fundamental elements of the Code and embed them within the Building Regulations. If this can be done in a clear and effective way, then hopefully this decision will prove to be a shrewd one in the long term.
