Wednesday 12 December 2007

The seasonal recommendation could warm more than just hearts – if implemented by Government it would also help people on low budgets keep their homes heated. And it has not just focused on new buildings – the report recommends measures and targets to reduce emissions from the existing stock.

Elizabeth Leighton, Senior Policy Officer said: "These are welcome recommendations which, if adopted by Government could take us along the road to providing warm, affordable homes for all, while at the same time helping to meet its target to reduce climate wrecking emissions by 80% by 2050. Our homes, schools and businesses could become assets, rather than liabilities, in fighting climate change, if these targets are made mandatory.

"WWF commends Ministers for convening this panel of construction, housing and energy experts. Government commitment to deliver its recommendations would be good news for the building industry, clearly mapping out a route towards zero-carbon domestic and non-domestic buildings. It should be an important contribution towards combating fuel poverty. Just two days ago the Government announced that the number of households living in fuel poverty rose from 18% in 2004/05 to 23% for 2005/06 – an unacceptable figure. Low and zero carbon homes will mean homes are more affordable to live in and protected from rising fuel prices, now and in the future."

WWF is confident that a strong zero-carbon standard can and must be met. England already has the Code for Sustainable Homes which sets a zero carbon standard for 2016, which covers all emissions, including appliances which is significantly stronger than the targets set out in this report. It is essential to set a firm date for such a standard now to give the building industry a basis to innovate and move ahead.

"WWF would like to see the very low and zero-carbon standards applied as early as possible," continued Ms Leighton. "Climate change is a reality and there is no time to lose to meet Scottish Government's targets for cutting climate emissions. This is why we support the recommendation to waive building warrant fees for those buildings which significantly beat current building standards. In addition we need to look to the mechanisms of social housing and public procurement to speed up delivery on these standards."

The report also recommends action on existing buildings. These make up by far the bulk of our building stock, so we have little choice but to make existing homes and buildings radically more energy efficient if we are to achieve an 80% reduction in climate emissions.

Find out about WWF's One Planet Homes campaign