According to the chartered surveyor group, if the Government is to achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions from homes in England, then it needs to set a realistic target of building all new homes to emit 70% less carbon, not 100%.

It says the Government will struggle to meet its targets of zero carbon by 2016 as it is too expensive and unrealistic. However a 70% reduction is technically and reliably achievable through energy efficiency measures and on site technologies.

RICS considers that the Government's ultimate goal should still be to achieve a 100% reduction in emissions from new homes, but a necessary review must take into account advances in technology and cost effectiveness.

Gillian Charlesworth, director of external affairs at RICS said: "We believe that, given the financial constraints caused by the downturn, Government should be aiming to maximise reductions in carbon emissions in a cost effective manner. RICS wants to see achievable solutions. Resources should be allocated to lower cost measures that will provide maximum insulation to homes. This would be a pragmatic solution towards reducing our carbon footprint, given the current recession."

RICS spokesperson and building energy efficiency expert Jerry Percy added: "Planning and building control also have a huge role to play.  We need a more integrated approach to ensure that standards are met, as the planning and regulatory systems are currently not delivering, as they should be. Importantly, there needs to be a change of culture amongst property professionals to help achieve better outcomes".

At a recent industry meeting participants agreed that in order to achieve zero and low carbon homes, the focus needs to be on:
* flexibility, looking at appropriate solutions for appropriate sites
* raising standards and encouraging innovation
* driving down costs through economies of scale
* land values 
* changing attitudes to life style and maintenance of homes.