What’s a zero carbon home?
A zero carbon home is one with ‘zero net emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from all energy use in the home’. The definition encompasses all energy use in the home (including energy for cooking, TVs, computers and other appliances) rather than just those energy uses that are currently part of building regulations (space heating, hot water, ventilation and lighting). It means that over the period of a year, there are no net carbon emissions resulting from the operation of the dwelling. This can be achieved through steps taken at the individual dwelling level or through site wide strategies. It will not be necessary for each dwelling to have its own microgeneration capacity where development level solutions would be more appropriate. The Lowhouse has achieved a True Zero Carbon rating when assessed against The Code for Sustainable Homes.
