Why carbon zero?

Housing generates 27% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions. The average household consumes 3880kWh and produces 1693kg of carbon dioxide per year.

Zero carbon homes are important in achieving the governments objective to cut CO2 by at least 60% by 2050.

A TV and Video on standby all year round and never switched off properly would consume on average 103kWh/year. The little things can go along way in reducing CO2.

How is this achievable?

Renewable Energy - CHP , solar energy , wind energy and ground source heating.

Building Construction - Orientation, insulation, windows, roofs and heat exchange.

Examples

BedZED is the UK's largest built carbon neutral eco-community. It was built in 2002 and comprises of 82 residential dwellings. The scheme was pioneered by an Architect called Bill Dunster. The houses are equipped with key features, designed in south facing terraces to maximise solar gain, that utilise renewable and conservable energy. The external fabric of the building is made up of recycled materials and contains a thick insulation jacket. A small scale combined heat and power plant (CHP) is on the site, powered by wood off-cuts (Biomass fuel), this provides most of the energy to the development.

http://www.peabody.org.uk/bedZED

Gallions Park London's first large Zero Carbon development, a 250+ unit residential scheme is planning on achieving its zero carbon status by making sure all buildings have high levels of insulation, careful orientation to the sun, natural ventilation, and the inclusion of highly efficient appliances.   All energy will   be produced from an on-site renewable source.