MPs slam government failure to tackle energy use of existing buildings

The group said the government is ignoring the big issue in favour of headline grabbing stunts.

In its report, Greening UK cities’ Buildings, the group says that a major policy shift is required to deal with existing buildings because up to 70% of all non-domestic properties will still be in use in 2050: meaning that existing buildings are one of the areas where the largest carbon savings can be made.

Clive Betts MP, chair of the All Party Development Group, said: “Property is the natural focus for everyone as far as climate change is concerned but we have been failing in this area. We need systemic and scale solutions. The empty rhetoric must end so that ministers and business leaders can both take action.”

The reports recommendations are:

• A single measurement tool so businesses can compare one building with another to determine how green it is;
• Better coordination of different government agencies;
• Tighter building regulations that demand greater improvements from developers;
• In-depth research on what fiscal and other incentives would make businesses change their behaviour.

Commercial property is responsible for 17% of the UK’s CO2 emissions. Betts said: “People understand how property works as an investment but not the green issues that surround buildings. We need clear evidence on what will actually help and a strategy led by one voice from within government. There is too much confusion across departments and many do not know where to turn.”