16th October 2008

Inbuilt has given an enthusiastic response to the UK Green Building Council’s (UK-GBC) report on Low Carbon Existing Homes which was published yesterday, and is calling for the quick development and robust policing of new sustainability regulations for home refurbishment.

Dr Neil Cutland, executive director at Inbuilt for low carbon housing, welcomed the opportunity to be part of the consultation. Inbuilt has submitted 10 strategic principles for sustainable refurbishment .

“The report sends a clear message that innovative action to tackle the wasted energy from our existing housing stock is both necessary and achievable”, says Neil Cutland.

“The public consultation to follow may add a few details, but the basics are already known. We need to make much greater use of Energy Performance Certificates and their recommendations, and we need to focus on core energy efficiency measures rather than green bling. What will matter next Spring is how clear and decisive the Government can be on this issue in the face of economic recession and 18 months or so before a General Election. The Code for Sustainable Homes gave us bold milestones to aim for in relation to brand new homes. There is no doubt in my mind that within next year’s Low Carbon Homes strategy we need a similar set of clear, long-term targets for existing homes in order to stimulate innovation.

“However, we must also learn the lessons from the new build sector – there is no point having good regulations in place to boost energy efficiency if compliance with those regulations is not policed. We absolutely must ensure ‘good intentions’ become reality.”

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