FMB calls for 'green housing revolution'

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has called for a 'green housing revolution' to assist the government in meetings its ecological targets.

Gordon Brown outlined plans for a £100 billion energy budget in a keynote speech at the Low Carbon Summit this morning.

Central to the plans is a shift away from fossil fuels to wind, solar and tidal power – with plans to build 7,000 new wind turbines now under discussion as a result.

Proposals are designed to help the UK meet its European commitment to produce 15 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Mr Brown said: "Increasing our renewable energy sources will require national purpose and a shared national endeavour.

"And let me say that the reforms in our planning bill passed by the House of Commons yesterday are absolutely essential to delivering this.

"You cannot ask to be taken seriously in your commitment to low carbon energy if you do not provide for the means for it to be achieved."

However, while welcoming the moves already made, the FMB is calling for an accompanying 'green housing revolution' to cut carbon emissions and make the UK's housing stock more energy efficient.

"The government is failing to develop a coherent strategy about what to do with Britain’s existing housing stock," said Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the FMB.

"Given that homes are responsible for 27 per cent of the country’s carbon emissions and that nearly 70 per cent of our current housing will still be standing in 2050 urgent action is needed now to make our homes greener and more energy efficient."

The government has announced plans to build two million new homes by 2016, with a further one million, carbon-neutral, properties added by 2020.

"The government’s leadership in tackling in new build needs to be matched with new initiatives and leadership about what it intends to do with our existing homes," continued Mr Berry.

"We need a range of incentives to encourage householders to upgrade their homes."

The FMB advocates cutting VAT from 17.5 per cent to five per cent on energy efficient improvements, as well as reform of stamp duty and the introduction of council tax rebates.

"Given the governments’ target to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 now is not the time to be dithering. We need a joined up strategy for all our housing and the time for that strategy is now," concluded Mr Berry.

Chris O'Toole