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UK's first zero-carbon house built

Barratt Developments on Thursday unveiled what it says is the UK's first zero-carbon house built by a volume house builder.

Barratt's Green House - developed at the Buildings Research Establishment in Watford – uses solar panels, rain water harvesting and an air-source heat pump to offset emissions and achieved a code level six rating, the top grade awarded only to completely zero-carbon homes.
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With super insulation and triple-glazed windows effectively making the building airtight, heating is kept to a minimum.

The government wants all new houses to be zero-carbon from 2016.

Barratt chief executive Mark Clare said: "We cannot and will not build houses that do not appeal to consumers. But they must also be affordable."

Housing minister Caroline Flint said: "Our goal is to build not just more homes, but better homes. That's why all new homes must be zero carbon from 2016, with progressively tougher standards being introduced over the coming years."

Zero-carbon homes costing up to £500,000 will be free of stamp duty until 2012.

Those over £500,000 in price received a stamp duty discount of £15,000.

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