Zero carbon homes are just too expensive at the moment, according to a poll of 700 home building industry representatives.

70% of respondents considered this to be the biggest hindrance to meeting the target of proposed 2016 Building Standards, as opposed to lack of consumer demand (13%), unproven technology (12%) or other factors (5%).

The electronic poll was conducted at trade body Homes for Scotland’s 2012 Lunch and Awards where Housing Minister Keith Brown was also in attendance. It comes ahead of a consultation on the Scottish Government’s draft Sustainable Housing Strategy later this year.

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With housing production still half pre-credit crunch levels, Homes for Scotland Chairman Andy Pearson has identified the impact of the low carbon agenda as a priority area of focus.

He said the industry must be able to explore other ways of improving energy efficiency.

He said: "We believe the proposed changes to Building Standards will only make a marginal contribution to the Scottish Government’s country-wide objectives for 2020, whilst having a potentially huge impact on affordability for the buyers of new homes. We are committed to engaging with the Scottish Government to explore the most effective ways of improving energy performance in existing housing stock through alternative means. By employing innovative solutions we could make a real and effective difference in the fight against fuel poverty, and all without compromising the home buyer."

(NE)