The industry has responded to a new report by Parliament’s cross-party Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), which calls for a national ‘war effort’ on energy efficiency.
Both RIBA and UKGBC have supported the recommendations from the committee of MPs, which sets out how the UK can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and secure energy supplies to tackle the energy affordability, security and sustainability crises facing the UK.
RIBA President Simon Allford said: "This report echoes our concerns that the Government’s British Energy Security Strategy was a missed opportunity to reduce energy demand – which is vital to decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels.
“To get to net zero, the Government will need ambitious measures. The EAC’s call for a clearer fuel poverty target and the upgrading of homes’ energy efficiency should be a national priority - and is one we have long been calling for as a National Retrofit Strategy.
“The recommendation to explore greener taxation strategies is also welcome. Measures including variations to the rate of stamp duty, which we have also called for as a tool to incentivise energy efficiency, are a key piece of the puzzle. We will continue to engage with Government by sharing our members’ expertise, as we push towards net zero."
UKGBC Director of Communications, Policy & Places, Simon McWhirter said: “As we close the book on the warmest year on record in the UK with millions of people across the country still struggling to afford to heat their homes, the EAC is right to call for a national mobilisation on energy efficiency. We cannot afford any more winters like this one.
“Between the EAC’s report and our own analysis, it is clear that the Government urgently needs to improve both its clarity and ambition on decarbonising the built environment if we are to meet our net zero commitment.
“Moving to a war effort means drawing on all the Government’s powers to solve this national challenge. We welcome the EAC’s target of 2.5 million annual efficiency installations by the end of the decade, and we urge the Government to consider UKGBC’s recommendations, such as incentivising energy performance through the tax system and mortgage market and setting new standards to guarantee new build homes are net zero carbon.
“Like any war effort, making the right choices can save lives: energy efficiency can prevent a range of illnesses and conditions to save the NHS £1.4bn and 10,000 lives a year.
“The UK building industry can and will meet the challenge, but only if Government commits to the long-term policies, training, and investments that our members and their workforces urgently need to deliver on this national mobilisation.”
