The Home Builders Federation (HBF)has rejected the analysis published today by the National Housing Federation (NHF) that private developers are not meeting their sustainability targets. NHF’s Chief Executive David Orr claims that the private housing industry are behind on reaching zero carbon targets, putting the 2016 target at risk of not being met. Responding, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation Stewart Baseley says: “The NHF’s criticisms are wide of the mark and deeply unhelpful. The Government’s policy is to initially promote higher standards through public housing. These standards apply to all developers, including private developers delivering affordable housing. “Imposing stringent and overbearing regulations on developers beyond this policy would ultimately lead to fewer homes being built, not more. I hope Mr Orr recognises that this is unacceptable. “HBF’s members are working very hard to improve the environmental performance of all their homes, but we need to prove the methods for doing so, and build up sufficient supply chain capacity to meet demand. “The Government’s policy framework on environmental standards is the right way to achieve the hugely challenging 2016 zero carbon target.” - Ends - Notes for Editors 1. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the principal trade federation for private sector home builders and voice of the home building industry in England and Wales. The HBF’s 300 member firms account for some 80% of all new homes built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national, household names through regionally based businesses to small local companies: www.hbf.co.uk 2. The National Housing Federation’s comments on private developers can be found on the NHF website at www.housing.org.uk For media information, please contact: Paul Boulter Tel: 020 7421 6140 Mob: 07814 506378 Email: paul.boulter@portlandpr.co.uk
