Future Homes Task Force Introduces 'Delivery Hub' In Hope of Achieving Government Goals

The government's future homes task force has introduced a multi-million pound 'delivery system' which will aim to manage the housebuilding sector's goals to meet environmental targets set by the government.

The task force is made up of all facets of the homebuilding industry, including government, housebuilding, utilities, material supplies and environmental groups.

The various parties met with industry leaders last week at the second Housing & Environment summit to discuss construction and fabric efficiency challenges which are included in the government's targets.

The delivery hub will aim to co-ordinate the numerous issues and regulatory requirements into a masterplan.

Some of the main challenges being faced by the housebuilding industry include:

• Achieving net zero greenhouse gases

• Water issues

• The impact of new homes on bio-diversity & nature

• Resource use & waste

• Air quality

• Flood & climate resistance

• The wider effect housing has on its social & built environment

The task force will aim to align these issues into three main areas of focus:

1. Place making & the impact new homes have on the wider environment

2. Working with utility companies on connection & infrastructure issues - the shift to electric only heating and car charging points will hugely increase the pressure & demand on local networks.

3. 'Fabric of the house' - to achieve world leading energy efficient new homes: Low carbon heating, with no new homes using gas by 2025. More ambitious water efficiency standards, green roofs, reflective walls; Improved flood resistance; Triple glazed windows & more fresh air, mechanical ventilation & passive cooling; Electric car charge points.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said: "The government is improving building standards and overhauling our outdated planning system as a priority. By putting communities in control of what is built locally we will deliver better designed, more sustainable buildings and the homes that are needed for the next generation."

"I look forward to seeing the recommendations and plans of the Future Homes Task Force later this year to support this exciting agenda as we work towards a cleaner, greener and more beautiful built environment."

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation said: "The environmental agenda is an absolute priority for the UK's house building industry and one on which we are committed to leading the way. We have been set a huge challenge by government, but it is one we are determined to deliver. We will work with government and stakeholders to set ambitious but deliverable goals that will ensure we make our contribution to environmental targets and achieve our ambition of net zero homes and a net zero industry. The work of the Task Force will help deliver homes that we can all be proud of as a nation and future generations will thank us for."

This article first appeared at the following link.