A toolkit explaining how homeowners and developers can achieve a greener property has been launched online.

Containing the latest guidance on how to achieve low-carbon, low-energy homes, the Net Zero Carbon Toolkit has been developed by West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council and Forest of Dean District Council.

It is aimed at builders, architects and consultants as well as those looking to self-build.

Councillor David Harvey, cabinet member for Climate Change at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Covering everything from pre-planning, design and construction, even down to the types of products on the market, this is a one-stop guide for anyone looking to build a new property so they can include all the measures needed to make sustainable homes which are fit for the future.”

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While following the guidance is not mandatory, the measures signal what the district council would like to see included in future planning policy to tackle the climate emergency.

The guide also covers where carbon and energy gains can be made through retrofitting existing properties, such as switching to low-carbon heating systems and investing in renewable energy.

Cllr Harvey continued: “The Government has set a target for the UK to reach net zero by 2050 but with 25 million homes being lived in right now, the big challenge is how older properties, which may be prone to cold and poorly insulated, are brought up to standard.

“A major focus of this document is about how householders can modify their existing homes to help them cut heat loss and how they can invest in renewable energy options to reduce the costs of running their homes and make them more sustainable."

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The toolkit gives a breakdown of the likely costs for a cheaper ‘shallow’ retrofit, which could save around 30 per cent of a home’s carbon emissions, or a ‘deep’ retrofit which could achieve up to a 90 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

Cllr Harvey added: “Minor modifications can start from as little as £20-£50 and while larger projects, such as installing solar panels, will require greater upfront investment householders should see an immediate reduction in energy bills, helping offset the costs. Homeowners can, in some circumstances, even receive income for excess electricity sold back to the grid.”

The toolkit has been funded by the Local Government Association Housing Advisers Programme, which supports local authorities seeking to innovate to meet the housing needs of their communities.

The document is now available for free download from www.westoxon.gov.uk/netzerocarbontoolkit