Coalition calls the Existing Homes Alliance calls for radical action to tackle old stock

A new body has called for a major programme of low energy refurbishments to kick-start a reduction of the UK’s existing housing stock.

The Existing Homes Alliance proposes 500,000 houses should be tackled in five years and should include exemplar houses within each local authority area as well as whole street projects in areas of high fuel poverty.

Proposals

Other proposals put forward by the body, which is formed from a coalition of housing and environmental organisations as well as businesses and government agencies, will be officially launched at an event today, include:

  • A clear regulation timetable that takes account of measures such as enhanced building regulations, and minimum standards for household energy performance (based on the new Energy Performance Certificates)
  • New financial incentives to encourage investment by homeowners, landlords and housing managers, including VAT reform on refurbishment, stamp duty and council tax rebates, low interest rate loans, feed in tariffs, grants and energy service packages
  • Trusted installer registers, mandatory training and up-skilling for building professionals to cover the full range of energy and resource efficient techniques
  • A public information campaign to counter misconceptions among homeowners showing how to raise the environmental performance of their homes

Acting chair for the alliance and ESD director Dr Paul Ruyssevelt said: “We aim to drive concerted action among government, business, the housing sector and individuals to save carbon, create jobs, stimulate new business opportunities and reduce energy bills.

Much as the zero carbon target for new homes is transforming the market, similar action on existing homes could enable the UK to become a world leader in tackling residential carbon emissions

Dr Paul Ruyssevelt, acting chair, Existing Homes Alliance

“Much as the zero carbon target for new homes is transforming the market, similar action on existing homes could enable the UK to become a world leader in tackling residential carbon emissions.”

Members

Members of the alliance include: Energy for Sustainable Development; Sustainable Energy Academy; Environmental Change Institute; Association for the Conservation of Energy; The Housing Corporation; Sustainable Development Commission; WWF; Places for People

Energy Saving Trust; the UK Green Building Council; and PRP Architects.

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