MPs and Lords to examine Green Deal

A committee of Lords, MPs and construction industry leaders are to investigate what can be done to boost the take-up of the Green Deal and the barriers to developing more a sustainable built environment.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment has put out a call for evidence of best practice in sustainable construction and the barriers to it within the industry.

Sir Tony Baldry, chair of the APPG, said: “The contribution of the built environment to climate change is immense and if the UK government is to meet its challenging targets for reducing carbon emissions then much has to be done to take carbon out of the construction and use of our buildings and facilities.

“So, we are looking for the best ideas in green construction – including how we can get the best out of the Green Deal – and invite evidence from clients and the industry to demonstrate the innovations that are already taking place or planned.”

The group is also seeking evidence on the progress towards the industry being able to roll-out sustainable homes.

The deadline for evidence submissions is 30 November.

The announcement of the investigation comes hot on the heels of the UK Green Building Council announcing last week that it was setting up a group to investigate the best ways to incentivise take-up of the Green Deal.

Energy secretary Ed Davey has already said the government is actively looking at how it can use council tax breaks to stimulate the scheme.

Although energy minister Greg Barker has said that any such incentives would not come into force until the scheme is up and running.