Buildings contribute just under half of all carbon emissions and so moves to increase their efficiency are crucial to curbing such emissions. Because new buildings represent just 1-2% of the total stock, existing buildings should be the priority for ministers.

Despite the government's 2016 timetable for zero carbon homes, and an imminent consultation over moves to introduce green non-domestic buildings by 2019, there are concerns that improvements to existing buildings are not being made quickly enough and that ministers could do more to encourage greater effort.

The All Party Urban Development Group, a cross-party committee of MPs and peers focused on regeneration policy, is holding the enquiry, calling for submissions from central government, and the public and private sectors, on the reforms needed to reduce the environmental footprint of existing buildings.

The inquiry will look into:

. improving energy efficiency of existing buildings;
. barriers to reducing emissions; and
. regulation, fiscal incentives, penalties and educational campaigns needed to address these barriers effectively.

Urban Development Group chairman, Clive Betts MP, said:

"There is no doubt at all about the urgency of responding to the threat of climate change. The Stern Review made a compelling case about the economic costs and risks of inaction. The built environment accounts for 50pc of the UK's carbon emissions, and while debate has so far largely focused on the carbon footprint of people's homes, less attention has been paid to the energy efficiency of commercial buildings – which accounts for half of this figure.

"This inquiry will help fill this gap by exploring how cities can work with property owners and their occupiers to help 'green' commercial buildings. Central government, city leaders, the voluntary sector and businesses all have a role to play."

Those interested in submitted evidence or who seek more information can visit www.allparty-urbandevelopment.org.uk

StumbleUpon

Del.icio.us

Windows Live Favorites

Digg

Yahoo! MyWeb

Google

Furl

 reddit

Comments