More biofuel testing could focus on existing homes

Biofuel testing could be carried out in an increasing number of existing dwellings in the years to come under green building schemes.

Pike Research predicts that existing properties of all kinds could account for almost half of green-certified floor space by 2020.

Criteria including the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design are driving this trend forward.

In the UK in particular, existing dwellings could account for a larger share of the biofuel testing undertaken under the BREEAM.

Since 2007, new-build properties in England have been covered instead by the Code for Sustainable Homes.

However, refurbished dwellings can still be examined under the guidance of BREEAM's EcoHomes 2006 framework.

This awards a credit for undertaking a renewable energy assessment on a home, rising to three credits if 15 per cent of heating and electricity consumption can be generated through eco-friendly means such as low-emission biofuels or sustainable resources.