Solar thermal policy 'needed to meet emissions targets'

In order for the government to achieve its targets for zero carbon housing by 2016, it should implement a solar thermal policy, it has been posited.

Solar thermal technology, which can provide as much as 70 per cent of a home's hot water needs, should be made mandatory for all newly-built properties, according to Velux.

The company, which specialises in windows and solar heating solutions, has launched a campaign in order to lobby the government establish this policy, Builder and Engineer attests.

Kevin Brennan , head of sustainability at the firm, claimed that in order to reach the housing targets, a strategy should be followed in line with other European countries.

"The UK is currently lagging behind Europe when it comes to building energy efficient homes," he said.

"A blanket policy such as the one in Spain - which demands that all new homes … [that] can benefit from solar thermal have this technology installed - is a necessary step for the UK."

Solar panelling was endorsed by the professional panel at the Des Res exhibition show recently, when industry experts pointed out that they could heat water for up to six months of the year.