UKGBC responds to Energy White Paper

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today reacted to the Government’s Energy White Paper.

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today reacted to the Government’s Energy White Paper.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC said:

“We welcome the level of ambition set out in the Energy White Paper, which provides a foundation for key decisions to be taken that are critical to the UK’s transition to net zero carbon. On the back of Government’s recently updated carbon targets ahead of COP26, this should provide further confidence to the private sector on the direction of travel.

“The announcement of funding to help people with energy bills in inefficient properties is welcome, but this cannot be a substitute for measures to ensure that those properties are retrofitted to permanently guard those residents against run-away energy bills. However, it is very encouraging that Government has promised to consult on regulatory measures to improve the energy performance of owner-occupied homes, which follows hot on the heels of the recent advice of the Climate Change Committee to ensure homes are upgraded at the point of sale. Furthermore, Government has recognised that this needs to form part of a long term framework, including incentives to take action.

“It is also positive to see announced that all rented non-domestic buildings will be brought up to EPC Band B by 2030, which is strongly supported by the property sector.

“Unfortunately we are still playing a waiting game for much of the crucial detail relating to the built environment, including the Future Homes Standard and the long-anticipated buildings and heat strategy.”

A copy of the Energy White Paper can be accessed here.

Related