135: a zero-carbon UK?

Remember the talk of nations competing to be green (RTBH posts 105 and 106)? Well, it looks as if the UK may be edging in front - for now. The UK's Independent newspaper reports that a series of demanding new targets will be released in the coming weeks, including a reiteration of the existing requirement that all new homes should be 'zero carbon' by 2016. Targets for non-domestic buildings are expected to follow. The UK Government is also re-examining its target to cut total CO2 emissions by 60% (on 1990 levels) by 2050, in light of scientific evidence that cuts of 80% may be required globally within that timescale. It's all very encouraging. And, according to the Independent, UK industry is keen to move and eager for direction. Though the 'how' is the important thing, of course. A future dependent on nuclear power and biofuels would hardly be hopeful... but one that involves groundbreaking design and imaginative use of technology sounds promising, I reckon.