How can the construction industry achieve net zero homes

The Good Homes Alliance has launched a new campaign calling for urgent action from the construction industry to build carbon-neutral homes. The Build Net Zero Now campaign urges the government to set a target of zero-carbon homes by 2030.

It wants the construction industry to meet this target by retrofitting existing homes and building new homes to high energy efficiency standards. The campaign also calls for an end to the use of fossil fuels for heating and hot water in new homes, and all new homes to be designed and built to be zero carbon from the start.

The Good Homes Alliance is a coalition of over 100 organisations, including housing associations, architecture practices, construction companies, renewable energy providers and environmental groups.

The construction industry’s call to action 

The Good Homes Alliance has called for urgent action from the construction industry to make our homes climate-positive. The alliance is made up of over 100 organisations, from architects to housing associations, and they are all calling for change.

The campaign is based on the fact that our homes are responsible for a huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and that we need to urgently do something about it. The first step is to make sure that all new homes are built to be climate positive, meaning that they absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit. This can be achieved through things like using renewable energy, insulating homes properly, and using low-carbon materials.

The Good Homes Alliance also is calling on the government to set ambitious targets for new homes and to provide support to the construction industry to help make these changes happen. With climate change reaching a tipping point, it is essential that we take action now, and the Good Homes Alliance’s campaign is a vital part of this.

The construction industry must accelerate the development of zero-energy housing

The construction industry is responsible for a huge amount of the world’s energy consumption. In fact, according to the Sustainable Development Foundation, 

“The construction sector accounts for approximately 40% of global energy use and 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions.”

The good news is that the industry is beginning to wake up to its environmental responsibilities and there are several initiatives underway to promote zero-energy housing. SME developers are leading the way in this area, with several pioneering projects already up and running.

However, if the construction industry is to meet its climate change obligations, it needs to accelerate the development of zero-energy housing. This will require a significant change in mindset, as well as significant investment in research and development. But the rewards will be more than worth it, both in terms of mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future for us all.