Net zero transition plan launched for housebuilding

The new homes industry has set out an initial transition plan aimed at providing a shared pathway and framework for decarbonising new homes to homebuilders, materials firms, contractors, trades, financial institutions, central government and local government.

The plan has been developed by the Future Homes Hub and the Carbon Trust drawing on all existing company level plans, the government's carbon delivery plans, advice from the Climate Change Committee and previous work done by non-government organisations.

All the country's largest builders and a cross section of medium and small housebuilders* have committed to reduce emissions to contribute to sector decarbonisation in line with the transition plan. By involving homebuilders in its development, the plan also reflects housing growth plans and the opportunities to make new homes more comfortable and cheaper to run as the way we build is decarbonised.

The Hub says the initial estimate of the baseline emissions from the new homes sector is just under 50 million tonnes per annum in total made up of:

• 39% from the operation of new homes
• 6% from the construction process
• 50% from construction products
• 5% from head office, staff and other emissions

The plan sets out a pathway for reducing …