SIR - We are writing to you, together with Bradford Community Housing Trust, to point out that, from April 1, housing associations will be obliged to cut carbon emissions in all new homes by 25 per cent in line with government targets.

We will then be making further cuts in emissions until we achieve zero-carbon housing.

We welcome the challenge, which will not only benefit the environment but will also reduce the fuel bills of our residents.

It is very concerning to us, however, that the private developers who build around three quarters of new houses have until 2010 before they have to start cutting carbon emissions. They will then be allowed to work to a slower timetable than us as we move towards zero-carbon housing.

This is not only unfair, but will also lead to millions of tonnes of unnecessary carbon emissions and keep the green technology industry on hold for another two years.

The National Housing Federation, which represents 1,300 housing associations across the country, will be presenting a petition to housing minister Caroline Flint asking her to commit private developers to the same environmental standards and timetable as the affordable housing sector.

If Telegraph & Argus readers agree with us, we ask them to please add their names to the petition at housing.org.uk/ greenhomes.

Malcolm Struthers, Communications Officer, National Housing Federation, Chester Road, Manchester