The Guardian view on green homes: solar panels and heat pumps should be a bare minimum | Editorial

AAfter two decades after the recent Labor Party government announced the standard of carbon homes, and with Break temperature records All over the world is so normal that it looks routine, it should be controversial that new buildings should be as environmentally friendly as possible. Looking at everything we know about global heating, and the law that forces the United Kingdom to reach zero by 2050, it is worrying that even the basics of enhancing and efficiency of energy security are still subject to interrogation.

But this is the situation that Britain faces, as it sets the ground government to demand the construction of homes that hope to continue for the rest of this parliament (where planning is transferred, the goal of 1.5 million new homes is allocated to England only). A lot of blame lies on this encouraging situation with the conservatives, who are late to progress towards sustainability by canceling environmental rules, which leads to a disgraceful spread of new developments as the houses do not contain solar panels on the surfaces.

The ministers have confirmed that the solar panels are likely to appear in the standard of future homes for England. But the questions remain about the recommendation of the new rules. Building companies must be obligated to install enough panels to meet the energy needs at home to ensure that they do so. The battery storage should also be included, as this reduces dependence on the network. High insulation standards will help reduce energy demand Keep the bills below.

However, it is the government’s local heating policy that can be said to be a major concern. Nevertheless, the condensation of renewable energy can only be one side of the green energy story. The gradual disposal of fossil fuels should also be eliminated. But the last abandonment of green pledges, including a The proposed ban on firewood stoves In new houses, along with the CAVALIER approach to the nature that has been taken in the planning bill, activists have left concern about heating, as well, the ministers will retreat to the demands of home builders by allowing them to suit gas boilers.

This will be economical as far as it is environmentally destructive. Other European countries are already a miles away from the United Kingdom on facilities, and the manufacture of thermal pumps has the ability to be an important source of green functions. Work already Abandoning the gradual disposal policy of gas boilers by 2035Despite the Climate Change Committee – which advises the government – after strongly criticized the refusal to stay away from gas heating. Heat pumps in new homes should be seen as minimal. The industry will adapt more easily, which leads to low prices, if the government sends more clear messages.

The danger, as with planning repairs that put the scene, is that the builders call the shots. This industry was very focused The decisive source of donations To the Conservative Party and is still very strong, since the ministers have no other way to present their pledges.

But while construction companies want to keep the costs low and increase profits to the maximum, these should not be the priorities of deputies. Update heat pumps and insulation costs much more than installed in the first place. Rare habitats like Classes currents It cannot be transferred or replaced. Elected politicians must insist on this long -term perspective. Building new homes is important, but nature and climatic goals in the United Kingdom should not be demolished in this process.

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