Can Dorset do it?

In June, Dorset CPRE hosted a planning conference on Net Zero – North Dorset chairman Rupert Hardy reports on the discussions

The goal of achieving Net Zero homes is vital. Buildings account for a huge 39 per cent of energy-related carbon emissions, which come from their construction, operation and maintenance – they are a major driver of global warming and climate change.
In 2023, the UK government made a commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050, meaning that any greenhouse gas emissions produced must be balanced by those removed from the atmosphere. It is essential that all new buildings are designed and constructed to meet this goal.
Net Zero requires that homes must be compliant in both operational energy – the energy used for heating, lighting and daily living – and their embodied carbon, which covers the emissions generated during construction. Homes built to these standards aren’t just better for the planet, they also benefit their occupants by being constructed to higher standards and having significantly lower running costs.

Can Dorset join the revolution?
The planning conference looked at how Dorset can rise to the challenge of ensuring that all new homes meet the Net Zero target. The event brought together industry experts, policy makers, developers and academics to discuss the latest innovations and challenges in zero carbon sustainable housing. It showcased pioneering examples of Net Zero development and tried to answer some of these questions:
What measures are needed to ensure that Dorset’s new homes meet Net Zero targets?
What policy changes and incentives are needed to support innovation in the industry?
How must construction methods change to reduce carbon emissions?
Can affordable homes be delivered that meet Net Zero targets?

Getting left behind
The conference was opened by Dorset CPRE president, former BBC Chief News Correspondent, Kate Adie, and was chaired by Dorset CPRE planning group chairman Andrew Procter whose talk, Making the Case for Zero Carbon in Dorset, set the scene by explaining why Dorset and BCP must take a proactive approach to ensuring new homes meet Net Zero targets.
He explored the opportunities for the area to become a leader in delivering Zero Carbon housing and highlighted other authorities, such as Cornwall, that have pioneered mandatory low-carbon policies for new developments.
He also questioned why so many countries across Europe are so much further ahead.
Andrew proposed that Dorset should set up a Net Zero Innovation Centre – an idea that drew enthusiastic support from many in the audience.
It happens in Bath
The second speaker was Dr Will Hawkins, Lecturer in Structural Engineering Design at the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Bath. His talk, Pioneering Net Zero Carbon Construction Planning Policy in B&NES, examined Bath and North East Somerset Council’s groundbreaking policies, introduced in 2023. These policies require all new developments to achieve Net Zero operational energy and major developments to meet embodied carbon targets, making B&NES the first council in the country to adopt such measures.

Pioneering Bridport
Sam Goss, Founding Director of Barefoot Architects, followed with Bridport Cohousing: A Place to Grow. He shared the story of Bridport Cohousing, now named Hazelmead – a pioneering low-carbon development of 53 Net Zero affordable homes built on land crowdfunded by members. Developed to address the severe shortage of affordable, sustainable and community-oriented housing in Bridport, the project was designed to foster sociability and reduce loneliness.
Ironically, it was initially opposed by Dorset Council, but has since become a flagship example of innovation. The Community Land Trust development includes shared facilities, a large wild space and a community orchard. Most of the site is pedestrianised, with cars and tarmac moved to the edges.

It’s getting better
The final talk came from Ian Pritchett, Co-Founder and Innovation Director at Greencore Homes. A pioneer in using lime mortars in the building sector, Ian presented Better than Zero Carbon Homes Now!, and demonstrated how high-performance, low-carbon homes can be delivered today, and discussed how buildings can go even further. However, he noted that achieving this requires widespread upskilling across the industry. Greencore Homes is currently working on 500 such homes.

Rooftop solar and no heat pumps
Following the presentations, there was a round table debate on the issues raised.

The speakers were joined by:
Councillor Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council (DC) and cabinet member for performance, climate and safeguarding
Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council
Tim Crabtree, chair Dorset Community Energy
Mark Chivers, co-founder of Zero Carbon Dorset
All the speakers gave engaging and inspirational contributions, but there was particular interest in the Hazelmead development in Bridport. Notably, Hazelmead and Greencore Homes both use direct electric heating rather than heat pumps – an approach that contrasts with current government policy. All the developments also make extensive use of rooftop solar panels, a strategy CPRE has been advocating for years as a preferable alternative to harmful greenfield solar schemes.
The round table gave leaders from Dorset Council and BCP Council a chance to reflect on the challenges and opportunities.
There was broad agreement that Dorset should follow the example set by pioneering councils such as Bath and North East Somerset by introducing standards far more ambitious than the current government building regulations. These national standards are often held back by the reluctance of large house builders to adopt them. Participants agreed that government legislation should be more supportive and proactive about decarbonising construction.

Signs of hope
Nick Ireland acknowledged that Dorset Council still has a long way to go to move on from the outdated policies in previous Local Plans. However, he expressed hope that the new – though still embryonic – Local Plan will show real progress. He also noted that Dorset Council is not currently considering using powers of compulsory purchase, describing them as “too cumbersome and too complex.”
Instead, he hopes the Council can use its own land to help meet local housing needs.
All present agreed on one thing: the urgency of the challenge, echoing Sir David Attenborough’s words: “What we do in the next ten years will profoundly affect the next few thousand.”