The zero carbon homes policy has been changed to reflect government’s commitment to reducing regulatory burden and costs in the Budget.<br> <br> In its Plan for Growth paper, government said that only the emissions covered by Building Regulations (heating, fixed lighting, hot water and building services) would be included in the 2016 policy. Therefore, emissions from cooking or from plug-in appliances such as computers and televisions, will not be addressed. Although payments towards Allowable Solutions will still be required by housebuilders and developers, the costs are likely to be much less than previously understood. <br> <br> It was also confirmed that the Zero Carbon Hub’s recommendations on the appropriate levels of on-site carbon compliance would form the basis for future changes to the Building Regulations up to and including those in 2016. <br> <br> Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Zero Carbon Hub, commented that the announcement concerning unregulated emissions would need more careful consideration and would “certainly divide opinion.” <br> <br>