Housebuilders should not have to become energy providers in the quest to create zero carbon homes, the industry has warned. Instead, they should be able to buy carbon credits to create a fund that energy companies can bid for to create non-carbon energy solutions. Leading housebuilders met last month to discuss the zero carbon challenge, and raised concerns about being asked to generate energy on new homes. “Asking us to build houses, that is fine,” said Bovis ceo David Ritchie. “But asking us to make our own energy is unacceptable. Ford may be asked to develop a more efficient engine, but no one asks them to make petrol.” <br> <br> Neil Jefferson, ceo of the Zero Carbon Hub which hosted the meeting, said the idea of a buyout fund was being discussed but was causing some concerns with government. “This is rubbing up against the tectonic plates of the Treasury who see it as a hypothecated tax,” he said. The housebuilders agreed that the big issue remained the cost of achieving the government’s goals as well as the public perception of zero carbon homes. Research published last month by the Zero Carbon Hub and the Energy Savings Trust found that …