LONDON, Jan. 26 British developers are looking for more affordable ways to build green homes after a recent government order.Lawmakers are calling for all new housing to be zero carbon within a decade, The Evening Standard reported. The homes must produce as much energy as they consume in an effort to cut carbon-dioxide emissions that many scientists say cause global warming.To help comply, Gordon Brown, chancellor of the exchequer, will partially waive taxes for buyers of zero carbon homes. Also, public funding of affordable home developments is now contingent on plans meeting the environmentally friendly standards.BedZED development in Sutton is being used as an example. It was completed in 2002, designed by Bill Dunster and developed by Peabody Trust and BioRegional.It serves as the only major development that applies efficiency measures to every aspect of life including solar energy, wastewater recycling, car pool, and easy recycling. Another major zero-carbon development was recently announced in London but has yet to be named.Other more affordable housing options feature environmental friendly pieces. The Servite Houses uses sedum roofs for extra insulation and to soak up rainwater and also offers a car pool. At several other locations, the same housing association uses timber- framed properties, prefabricated offsite, in a development that's expected to be completed next summer.Copyright 2007 by UPI
