First zero-carbon house

Monday was a good day for the zero-carbon debate as the UK government has just recognised the first zero-carbon house by awarding it a stamp duty exemption certificate. For those not living in the UK – stamp duty is a tax payable when you buy property.

Housing minister, Yvette Cooper, handed over the certificate to a prototype house which is the most environmentally friendly home built in the UK. For a buyer this means they do not have to pay the tax and could save around £2,000 on a zero-carbon house costing £200,000.

"A quarter of carbon emissions come from our homes. That's why zero-carbon homes are so important," said Yvette Cooper.
Photo: Peter White, BRE. Used with permission.

[From the Guardian]