Code for Sustainable Homes - Cheap Mortgage Deals

14/12/2006 - New Scheme to encourage zero carbon emissions

A new scheme based on a star system will enable those whose homes reach six star status to be exempt from stamp duty. This will apply to new homes built with enough energy saving devices that the energy produced from solar panels and wind turbines replaces any extracted from the National Grid. Homes currently account for 40 milliom tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions which amounts to 27% of the total, business and transport are the two other main producers.

The star scheme was unveiled by Ruth Kelly, the plan is to make all new homes "zero carbon" by 2016. Currently only a very small number of homes fall into that category. The scheme highlights the pressure that will be put on developers who will be expected to design low-emission communities with energy efficient properties and water wastage reducing ideas.