The new build housing sector has been on a trajectory to meet zero carbon emissions from new developments by 2016 since the Government launched the Code for Sustainable Homes in December 2006. Part L of the building regulations are planned to be revised in 2010 to increase the energy efficiency performance by 25%, with further reductions in emissions planned in 2013 and zero carbon mandated through the building regulations in 2016.

However, the homebuilding sector has been heavily affected by the economic down turn down with house price reductions seriously affecting margins and the industry¿s ability to invest in the R&D to meet burgeoning sustainability aspirations. Meeting the sustainability aspirations for new housing is recognised as the single biggest challenge facing the industry for the next 5-10 years. 

The New Build Wider Stakeholder Forum provides an opportunity for the broader supply chain industry to express its views and share expertise with the Zero Carbon Hub (ZCH) and Government. It seeks to work as a cross-cutting group that considers activities of the ZCH and how these overlay with the activities of the wider partnership. 

Forum meetings provide regular updates on policy developments, engagement with the ZCH and the wider Partnership.. A workshop in February 2010 provided stakeholder input into the ZCH¿s programme of work. The timelines addressed the sequencing of activities to deliver zero carbon homes by 2016, covering all aspects from energy efficiency through to consumer communications. A report summarised the views of stakeholders and conclusions.