Minister backs 'green' housing plan

The Government is backing a new homes project which it is said will become one of the few developments in the world to produce zero net carbon dioxide emissions.

Environment minister Elliot Morley is set to launch the major new CarbonNeutral West Development in Acton, West London - a pioneering development by Berkeley Homes.

It aims to tackle climate change impacts by measuring, reducing and finally offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions from the building phase.

As part of this CarbonNeutral initiative, all of the energy used during the construction phase of the project will be drawn from renewable sources and all 520 new homes will be placed on renewable energy tariffs, increasing the total number of UK homes on similar tariffs by around 1%.

The commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions is being expanded by Berkeley Homes which is to announce that it will invite renewable energy providers to tender for future development contracts and will consider using them as suppliers of choice where economically viable.

Mr Morley said: "Balancing the need for housing with the development of zero carbon emissions buildings is going to be crucial if we are to effectively meet our countries' climate change commitments.

"I fully support the efforts made by Berkeley Homes to take responsibility for the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the new West 3 development through their CarbonNeutral programme.

"By switching the construction of the project and over 500 new homes to a renewable energy tariff, Berkeley Homes are setting an excellent environmental example for their housing industry."

Roger Lewis, Chairman of the Berkeley Group, said the company is constantly working to improve and expand its sustainability strategy and is keenly aware that climate change is a crucial issue to be tackled.

"By switching the West 3 development to a renewable energy provider as part of the CarbonNeutral programme we reduced the projects 'carbon footprint' by around 18%. Until now we hadn't realised that green electricity could be so cost competitive. As a new homes provider we recognise that we have an environmental impact and we are investigating activities that can help us improve that position."

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