Mark Clare, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments has been appointed Chair of the UK - GBC task group on zero carbon homes.

The group are to report to Government on the definition of zero carbon, recommending a way to include off-site renewables within the definition.

The group of 12 includes representatives from major house builders, engineers, developers and energy suppliers.

Announcing the appointment Paul King, Chief Executive of UK - GBC said: "I'm delighted Mark has agreed to chair this group. He brings a wealth of experience, not only of the housing market, but also of the energy supply sector which is so crucial to meeting our zero carbon targets."

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On his appointment Mark Clare said: "Barratt's is fully committed to the delivery of sustainable, affordable, high quality homes. But as we prepare to deliver the highest levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes, we need to be clear about what kinds of renewable energy solutions are available to us on-site, near-site and off-site.

"The purpose of the Zero Carbon Task Group is to examine the options for meeting the energy needs of very efficient homes in the most effective way to achieve the target of zero carbon development by 2016, while optimizing the use of the UK's renewable energy resources locally and nationally. The industry needs clarity sooner rather than later."

The group will gather expert evidence and report back by Spring 2008 on the best way to accredit off-site renewables.

The zero carbon task group is part of the UK - GBC's contribution to Government's 2016 Taskforce, co-chaired by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper and the HBF.

(GK/JM)