Press release from Jayne Curtis over at FMB:

Green Energy Revolution Needs Green Housing Revolution, says Federation of Master Builders

Today’s Government plans to move away from fossil fuels to wind, solar, and tidal power  as part of its green energy programme is a welcome initiative but we need an accompanying  green housing revolution if we are to cut carbon emissions and make our housing stock more energy efficient, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said:

“The Government is failing to develop a coherent strategy about what to do with Britain’s existing housing stock. Given that homes are responsible for 27 per cent of the country’s carbon emissions and that nearly 70 per cent of our current housing will still be standing in 2050 urgent action is needed now to make our homes greener and more energy efficient.”

Berry continued:

“The Government’s leadership in tackling in new build needs to be matched with new initiatives and leadership about what it intends to do with our existing homes. We need a range of incentives to encourage householders to upgrade their homes. Cutting VAT from 17.5 per cent to 5 per cent on energy efficient improvements would be a start as would reform of Stamp Duty and the introduction of Council Tax rebates. Given the Governments’ target to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 now is not the time to be dithering. We need a joined up strategy for all our housing and the time for that strategy is now!”

For more information please visit: www.fmb.org.uk