Report calls for funding mechanisms, training, government commitment and legislation to meet domestic 2050 CO2 targets

The UK-GBC has called for a ‘fundamentally new way’ for consumers to fund energy improvements for home owners. They should be able to realise energy saving straight away, the Council said.

The recommendation is one of five to be found in a report published today by the UK-GBC. The paper, “Low Carbon Existing Homes,” also suggested:

  • The government should commit to an 80% cut in CO2 from UK households by 2050 with interim five yearly targets.
  • It should consider legislation to improve the worst performing homes and make better use of energy performance certificates (EPCS)
  • A ‘training push’ is required to give builders and tradesmen the skills needed to carry out green refurbishment projects at the same time as standard building work.
  • Householders should have access to a ‘Whole Home Energy Plan’ which shows how to do low carbon refurbishment and the measures to take out.

In an opinion piece published in our Green Gurus section, UK-GBC chief executive said industry could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu, but promised things were moving ahead.

“…Today’s report is a bit different and … I believe we can all feel a bit more optimistic this time around.”

He said the Climate Change Bill the government’s upcoming Low Carbon Homes strategy consultation suggested the time had come for improving the existing domestic stock. King also added that participation from over 1,000 partners gave the report great legitimacy.

The 500 organisations of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes and 300 of the UK-GBC itself were among those involved.

King said that the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme was leading the way in the £3.5-6.5bn market.

Mark Johnson, London leader for sustainable development and head of London Warm Zone, which insulates homes across the capital for free or at a discounted rate, called the plan ‘ambitious and far reaching.’

“It is good to see it engages a range of partners and looks at wider issues related to skills and training.” But he also sounded a note of caution.

“There’s currently a lack of project managers; people who can get out there, take something, get hold of it and deliver it,” he said. “It’s a universal skill and there’s a shortage of it. Our focus also needs to be on quality project management and partnerships to ensure this plan happens.”

King also praised Building’s 99% Campaign and the Sustainability Channel’s role in fielding more than 60 responses to the UK-GBC’s consultation.

The domestic sector is responsible for 27% of the UK’s CO2 emissions.

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