CHESTER MP Chris Matheson visited an ultra-low carbon house being constructed in Hatton.

The "Passive House" being built by EcoVert Solutions Ltd, uses only a fraction of the energy for heating of those built to the standards required by current building regulations.

Mr Matheson said: “These houses are becoming increasingly popular as they deliver low carbon solutions with very low heating bills, and reduced impact on the environment. Through super-insulation, triple glazing and airtight construction, these buildings run on minimal heating system. Many passive houses run on one or two radiators – a heat recovery ventilation uses low power fans to provide ample fresh air throughout the year.

“But current building regulations do not incentivise the building of these environmentally friendly homes.

“We need building regulations that enforce low emission requirements. This is an easy change with massive potential to drastically reduce emissions. The Government have backtracked time and time again on this issue, unwilling to stand up to big building companies who benefit from the current lax rules.

“We have the necessary technology today to stop inefficient and wasteful heating systems in buildings. Now we need a change to the regulations, mandating a greener approach to construction.

“We must act now to drastically slow our emissions and avoid the worst-case scenarios in which lives are destroyed by rising sea levels, flooding, and destruction of agriculture and wildlife.”