New analysis produced by Sweett Group for the Zero Carbon Hub shows that the additional costs associated with building to the proposed Zero Carbon Standard have declined significantly since 2011, and are expected to continue to fall as we approach 2020.

Understanding the cost of zero carbon homes has been, and remains, a critical issue for the Hub's stakeholders. The Hub therefore commissioned Sweett Group to update our cost assumptions in light of changes in the market and in the standards themselves in recent years.

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Commenting on the report, Rob Pannell, Managing Director, Zero Carbon Hub, said: "The Hub has always recognised the need to work with industry in developing a viable zero carbon definition.

"What this report shows is that the zero carbon policy, while ambitious, is becoming more cost effective. The challenge is to continue innovating to keep costs as low as possible.

"A crucial next step for the Hub will be to support industry in raising awareness of the huge energy cost savings which can be realised as a result of choosing to buy a new build home, compared to an older property.

"The Hub worked with NHBC Foundation to create an infographic which highlights the annual household energy spends across various build types.

"Looking ahead to 2016, the annual energy cost savings of living in a new build property compared to a Victorian house of a similar size could be as much as £1,840 - 75% less."

(CD/JP)