<p><strong>Zero carbon</strong><br>The government published the consultation document Building a greener future: Towards zero carbon development in December. The document outlines how the government plans to achieve zero carbon new homes by 2016. It sets out how the three main policy levers – the planning system, the code for sustainable homes (CSH) and Building Regulations – will work together to achieve this. The document proposes a three-step ten-year timetable. By 2010 new homes should show a 25% reduction in carbon emissions, equivalent to CSH level three, by 2013 there should be a 44% reduction, equivalent to level four, and by 2016 homes should be zero carbon – level six. Housing minister Yvette Cooper said having a consistent national standard was the best way forward. “If we have different standards in different areas we will not get the improvements we need.”But she added: “There are areas where local authorities can go further faster. Where, for example, there is a particular opportunity for local energy production.” HBF head of planning Andrew Whitaker warned: “The challenge will be to control local authorities who want to go beyond the national standard.” John Callcutt, previously chief executive of English Partnerships, has been seconded to head up …