Labour aims for zero carbon new homes by 2022

A Labour government plans to make all new homes zero carbon within three years, the party has announced.

Labour will introduce a new “zero carbon standard”, aimed at ensuring that the day-to-day running of the home will not add additional carbon to the atmosphere. This will be achieved through increased energy efficiency standards and the use of low carbon and renewable energy sources. Labour says it could mean all new homes are fitted with solar panels, extra insulation and triple-glazed windows, and are not fitted with fossil fuel heating systems such as gas boilers as standard.

Shadow housing secretary John Healey said: “The Conservatives’ decision to cave in to property developers and slash green standards means we are building homes today that aren’t fit for the future – they’re bad for the environment and expensive to run."

Labour also announced its “Warm Homes for All” policy for second hand homes, installing energy saving measures such as loft insulation and double glazing as well as renewable and low carbon technologies in almost all of the UK’s 27 million homes.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn added: “Homes should be safe and warm for families and not damage the environment for future …