Give up on 2016 zero-carbon target, says RICS

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is calling on the Government to abandon its target for zero-carbon new homes by 2016 and instead adopt a “more realistic” target of 70% reduction in carbon emissions.

According to RICS the government will struggle to meet its targets of zero carbon by 2016 saying that it is too expensive and unrealistic. However it believes a 70% reduction is technically and reliably achievable through energy efficiency measures and on site technologies.

Gillian Charlesworth, director of external affairs at RICS said: “We believe that, given the financial constraints caused by the downturn, the government should be aiming to maximise reductions in carbon emissions in a cost effective manner. RICS wants to see achievable solutions. Resources should be allocated to lower cost measures that will provide maximum insulation to homes. This would be a pragmatic solution towards reducing our carbon footprint, given the current recession.”

RICS does consider that the government's ultimate policy goal should still be to achieve a 100% reduction in emissions from new homes when technology becomes more viable and cost effective.