To achieve the robust carbon reduction target, two future revisions to the Building Regulations are planned, in 2013 and 2016. To comply with the 2016 revisions, new zero carbon homes will have to meet on-site requirements for Carbon Compliance which will be achieved through -

The energy efficiency of the building fabric
The performance of the heating, cooling and lighting systems
Low and zero carbon technologies

In addition, through Allowable Solutions, new homes will need to account for the carbon emissions that are not expected to be achieved on site through Carbon Compliance.

Prime Meridian is a member of several groups whose purpose is to discuss and research techniques and processes that reduce the energy use and carbon emissions of our buildings.

Low Carbon

In 2008 the UK Government introduced the Climate Act which set a legally binding 80% reduction
target for Carbon emissions by the year 2050 (measured against a 1990 baseline).

UK buildings are responsible for approximately 44% of the total UK carbon emissions. Therefore
reducing carbon emissions from our buildings is a fundamental driver to achieve the carbon reduction targets in the Climate Act.

The challenge to reduce emissions from our buildings is compounded by the age of most of our building stock, approximately 86% of our homes were constructed before 1990 and it is projected that in 2050, 78% of the domestic buildings will have been built before 2010.