A climate summit took place during November that focused on achieving net zero new homes in Essex.
Attendees and speakers came from across the industry. Experts from the council’s Climate and Planning Unit also led panels and discussions.
Discussions focussed on what is already being done in Essex, what is planned, and the challenges faced.
The council’s Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, Councillor Peter Schwier led the summit.
He said: ” We know the demand for housing is as high as ever, but it is crucial that any new homes are built to an excellent healthy homes standard. This means they are warm in winter, cool in the summer and have low energy costs.
“We need to make sure that new homes built in Essex are made to last. They should also be made from high quality, efficient materials so that the the local environment isn’t affected.
“Net zero homes, when built correctly and to a high standard, are the healthy homes we need. These homes are the future for Essex.”
Key speakers and panellists at the summit included:
• Hugh Ellis, Director of Policy at the Town and Country Planning Association
• Ben Spencer, founder of house builders GS8, a local business that specialises in net zero homes.
• Essex Climate Action Commissioner, Richard Davidson, from Balfour Beatty
• Emma Osmundsen from London Borough of Ealing Council
A key theme from the summit was the benefits of new net zero carbon homes. These include:
• good quality homes
• improved health outcomes
• low to no cost energy bills
• economic growth opportunities
• eradicating fuel poverty
• reduced energy demand on the grid
As well as the summit, this month Councillor Schwier and members of the council’s Climate and Planning Unit attended a parliamentary reception at the House of Lords.
The reception explored how the planning system in England could better support local innovation to deliver net zero homes.
More information on the council’s vision for net zero homes visit Essex Design Guide