Linden Homes has been discussing with ministers its initiative which could aid the government's zero carbon homes policy.<br> <br> The housebuilder said that its proposed "New Homes Sustainability Bonus" would contribute to the zero carbon policy more affordably, with current policy adding up to £30,000 to the cost of a new home. Under Linden's plan, developers would – from 2013 – contribute a "bonus" to a central fund for all new build units. The bonus would begin at £2,000 per unit in 2013 and rise to<br> £5,000 by 2016.<br> <br> Linden explained that the fund money would be used to reduce carbon cost effectively, including retrofitting the UK's existing housing stock. The firm argued that concentrating on new build and existing homes together would bring better value for money.<br> <br> "One of the areas we want explored with officials is to consider running our scheme side by side with current regulation," said, Ian Baker, Linden's group md.<br> <br> HBF has supported the inclusion of the Sustainability Bonus within its industry working party.