The Zero Carbon Hub is set to close after industry funding was withdrawn following the government’s abandonment of zero-carbon targets.
The hub was established in 2008 as a non-profit organisation to take day-to-day operational responsibility for achieving the government’s target of delivering zero-carbon homes in England from 2016.
The organisation has worked with both government and industry to raise building standards and reduce the risk associated with implementing the Zero Carbon Homes policy.
However, the Treasury axed plans to make new homes carbon-neutral in July 2015.
It has now emerged that the Zero Carbon Hub is to be scrapped and will cease operations on 31 March 2016.
Neil Jefferson, Zero Carbon Hub chief executive, said: “I am extremely proud of what Zero Carbon Hub has achieved in the past eight years and very grateful for the hard work of its dedicated staff.
“Since we embarked upon this journey, the industry has come a very long way and Zero Carbon Hub has made a significant contribution by engaging government, industry and consumer interests and successfully translating policy ambitions into practicable standards and guidance.”
The British Property Federation said it was a “great shame” the hub will not be able to continue to help the government achieve the EU 2020 target for all new buildings to be ‘nearly zero-energy buildings’ – defined as a building requiring nearly zero or a very low amount of energy.
Patrick Brown, the BPF’s assistant director for sustainability and construction, added: “The decision is understandable based on the government’s decision to withdraw the Zero Carbon target.
“The Zero Carbon Hub is to be thoroughly commended on the work it has done to increase industry knowledge and skills and information.”
• To send feedback e-mail louisa.clarence-smith@estatesgazette.com or tweet @LouisaClarence or @estatesgazette
