Environment - Is Climate Change Manageable?

With the government committed to reducing CO2 output by 20% by the year 2020, how much can the typical householder contribute to this change? Although scientists agree the effects of climate change are irreversible, at least the problem can be controlled – if we act quickly.

Statistics on climate change tell a frightening story: since 1980, 17 of the 20 hottest years on record have been recorded. CO2 emissions play a huge part in the process of global warming and in Britain, it is estimated that 27% of carbon emissions hail from people’s homes.

Which means each individual can actively play a part in reducing carbon output and keeping global warming under some kind of control. According to The Energy Saving Trust, simple changes like switching off electrical appliances when not in use, boiling smaller quantities of water for tea and coffee, or turning the heating down a notch or two can save around 2 tonnes of CO2 per household over the course of a year. Not to mention reduced energy costs too – around £250.

But although these steps will certainly help, it’s clear that larger scale improvements also need to be made. With this in mind, housebuilders in the UK are aiming to build ‘Carbon Zero’ homes by 2016. The government has defined zero carbon as 'Where net carbon emissions resulting from all energy used in the dwelling is zero. This includes the energy consumed in the operation of the space heating/cooling and hot-water systems, ventilation, all internal lighting, cooking and all electrical appliances.'

The Code for Sustainable Homes states that all new homes in Britain should be zero carbon by 2016. The code itself has six levels (level 5 is the highest achieved by any UK building company so far), the aim being for all new homes to reach level 3 by 2010, level 4 by 2013.