All new offices, shops and other commercial buildings are expected to be zero carbon by 2019, the Chancellor announced. In addition public sector buildings including hospitals, schools and townhalls are also expected to be carbon neutral by 2018. The move follows the decision in 2006 to ensure that new domestic homes are zero carbon by 2016.

Mr Darling claimed the move to ensure that commercial buildings follow suit would lower carbon dioxide emissions by 75 million tonnes over the next 30 years.

A task force is to be set up to see how this can be achieved. But the domestic programme has already run into problems because energy efficient homes are much more expensive than traditional buildlings. This is partly due to extra insulation, double glazing, energy efficient lighting and bio-condenser boilers.

Mr Darling also confirmed that homeowners will be able to go ahead with installing carbon saving technology such as solar panels without needing planning permission. Businesses will also be able to set up solar panels, wind turbines and ground source heat pumps from this year without being immediately liable to an increase in business value rates.

Background

• Darling's first Budget: the main points

• The Chancellor's speech in full

• Darlings first Budget: the reaction

• Chancellor hits the home budget as his debts soar

• Need to know: Budget 2008

Multimedia

• The winners and losers

Rose-tinted specs fail to offer hope

The obvious justification for Mr Darling’s relatively upbeat scenario is that the outlook is fraught with uncertainty

Multimedia

• Video: the 'fingers crossed' budget

Related Links

• Darling hits smokers and drinkers in Budget

Multimedia

• Red Box: a list of Darling's new enemies

* New shared equity packages were also announced following poor take up of current schemes to help first time buyers and key workers. Mr Darling expects an extra 70,000 people to benefit from the new schemes. One will allow key workers to buy a 50 per cent equity share in a home. In addition, stamp duty will be waived for shared equity homes until the owner buys 80 per cent of the house.

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