Characterised – at least in certain political circles - as the To-Do List for a “zombie government”, yesterday’s Queen’s Speech contained further clues as to how the Government intends to meet its zero carbon targets for the residential sector:

Firstly, the requirement for on-site measures was equated to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4. This differs from the previously endorsed recommendations of the Zero Carbon Hub (which suggested variable targets depending on house type) and possibly implies a desire within parts of Government to further water down the measures;

Secondly, “Allowable Solutions” are endorsed (again) as the mechanism by which all other carbon emissions will be mitigated;

Thirdly, the Speech stated that smaller residential sites would be exempt from the zero carbon target; subject to a consultation defining what would constitute a “small site”.

Whilst the above clearly demonstrates a desire to further deregulate and encourage house building; energy efficiency and carbon mitigation will remain politically relevant and the above may only represent a temporary relief.