Zero Carbon Housing: Why is Zero-Carbon Housing Important and How Can Housing Developers in Oxfordshire Achieve it?

In the UK, the construction industry contributes to a significant proportion of carbon emissions. While some companies are building zero-carbon houses, with several developments in Oxfordshire being at the forefront, there are many housing developers who are not. The construction industry has an obligation to minimise its carbon emissions. This research aims to determine the importance of the construction industry moving towards zero-carbon housing by using case studies in Oxford to explain how this can be achieved; through the analysis of materials, methods of construction and manufacture and the responsibilities of various groups throughout the life of the building. By studying existing sites such as NW Bicester, the UK’s first Eco-Town, which have successfully achieved zero carbon communities, successes are identified for application in future projects. The study outlines manufacturing methods which have a high environmental impact and suggests alternatives based upon existing techniques such as timber construction to provide a viable solution for housing developers and the contracted companies. Both statistical data about the environment and materials, and the case study of NW Bicester (and others) in a pragmatic approach (first understanding the issues surrounding the industry to be able to solve them) is used. Primary research has been obtained through questionnaires to determine existing knowledge of professionals surrounding sustainability. Analysis shows that there are viable solutions to diminish the carbon emissions of the construction industry, however, what would successfully incentivise housing developers? Housing developers must adopt these methods urgently to prevent further environmental damage from the industry