What definition DCLG uses of zero-carbon and carbon neutral respectively, ponders Conservative shadow Communities secretary Eric Pickles.  

Zero carbon homes mean that over a year, the net carbon emissions from all energy use in the home are zero – and this would include energy use from cooking, washing and electronic appliances as well as space heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and hot water, points out Communities minister Iain Wright. The term “carbon neutral” can be used to describe organisations, events, goods or services which act to prevent as much carbon emissions as they produce, he added.
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