The 2050 zero carbon emissions target cannot be met without a significant contribution from the housing sector.

John Gilbert, Principle architect with John Gilbert Associates, explained the complex array of targets and benchmarks in the industry and highlighted that although the targets set are extremely challenging they represent only a small step towards ultimate goal of truly zero carbon homes.

In Scotland the target is to achieve 30% reduction on the 2007 building regulations standards over the next two years and net zero carbon emissions by 2017. For a typical home to meet this challenge it will require a combination of super insulation, design alterations, triple glazing and improved air tightness. But zero carbon can only be achieved through significant on site electricity generation.

Ross Peedle, Design Director for Stewart Milne Group recounted his experience of building a single zero carbon home (the sigma house) in a way which was as developer friendly as possible. The two main elements in achieving zero carbon status are maximise performance through super-insulation and micro renewables.

He concluded that producing an affordable zero carbon home would be exceptionally challenging and could not be achieved by construction alone. Changes in culture both by builders and residents would be required and this would need a concerted push from Government to invest in skills and change attitudes.

Both speakers questioned whether investing so much in achieving the 2050 target in new build alone was the right approach and that bigger gains could be made through investing in the existing stock.