UK Green Building Council says action is needed if economic recovery is to be genuinely green

The UK Green Building Council has reacted to the government’s pre-Budget report by warning that much more radical action is needed if the economic recovery is to be a genuinely ecologically sustainable one.

Paul King, chief executive of the campaign organisation, warned that although it is right to identify the construction sector as a way to stimulate the economy, the UK Green Building Council must ensure that new buildings, especially those procured by government, are of the highest possible environmental standards.

He said: “We shouldn't reduce our green ambitions because of the credit crunch.

“Green building can be at the heart of a low-carbon economic recovery, boosting growth and creating green collar jobs.”

King added that this is particularly true in leaky existing homes and buildings, where there is the need for a massive programme of refurbishment to cut carbon, reduce energy bills and produce more comfortable places to live and work.

He said: “The additional money for Warm Front and the bringing forward of Decent Homes funding is welcome, but this is just the beginning.

“We look forward to a comprehensive strategy from government in its upcoming energy saving consultation that we hope will signal a step change in the action needed to tackle our existing homes and buildings.”

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