TOUGHER ENERGY REQUIREMENTS FOR ECOHOMES

摘要

A new, revised version of EcoHomes, the environmental rating scheme for homes, has recently been launched. EcoHomes 2006 includes tougher energy requirements to encourage carbon dioxide reductions and bring the scheme into line with the latest Part L of the Building Regulations. The Government recently announced that all homes with English Partnerships or Housing Corporation funding must meet the new EcoHomes 2006 'Very Good' standard, as an interim measure until a strengthened Code for Sustainable Housing comes into effect later this year. In addition to raising energy credit thresholds to further encourage and reward CO_2 reductions, energy savings will result from the new stipulation of A+ energy labels for refrigerators, freezers and cooling systems, and from rewards for low-energy lighting systems that exceed Building Regulation requirements.