How to achieve net zero carbon homes

A Net Zero Carbon Toolkit for new build and retrofit housing has been launched for Forest of Dean, Cotswold and West Oxfordshire District Councils. Etude led the process which was a collaboration between Levitt Bernstein, Elementa Consulting, the Passivhaus Trust and the council members.

The toolkit aims to help the three councils and others reach net zero in a bid to speed up the UK’s collective response to the climate emergency. The Net Zero Carbon Toolkit is openly available as a free-to-download resource, allowing it to be shared with professionals across the built environment.

The interactive toolkit takes architects, contractors, self-builders and consultants through a range of steps for delivering zero carbon, low-energy homes. It also includes retrofit guidance on measures to improve energy efficiency and begin the process of decarbonising homes in a more affordable, phased approach.

Implementing the measures laid out in the new toolkit will help reduce the carbon footprint of new and existing buildings. Making significant reductions to a home’s carbon emissions also means lower energy bills for homeowners, more people out of fuel poverty and homes that are comfortable and healthier to live in.

Funded through the Local Government Association Housing Advisers Programme, this toolkit is a handy resource to help designers work together with clients and other professionals towards delivering net zero carbon for new build and retrofit.