Leaders of many of the UK’s major UK companies last month called for George Osborne to place energy efficiency at the heart of the new Government’s economic plan.
In an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the leaders of 55 construction and property companies urged the Government to include “bold energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets” in their long-term economic plan.
The letter also recommends making energy efficiency a “national infrastructure priority” and, amongst other things, calls for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016.
Mr Osborne will deliver his emergency budget on July 8th, revealing how the Government will seek to implement its austerity measures over the coming Parliament. In its manifesto, the Conservative Party pledged to ‘cut emissions as cost-effectively as possible’ in order to meet the UK’s climate change targets, and business leaders hope that this will be reflected in long-term policies.
According to the leaders, these policies should include: recognising energy efficiency as a national infrastructure priority and allocating infrastructure funds to bring all UK homes to EPC band C, delivering on their previous commitment for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016 and all new non-domestic building to be zero carbon from 2019, ensuring Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the commercial and rented sector are enforced from 2015, and revealing how the Government will meet the third and fourth carbon budgets.
Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council commented on the letter: “Business leaders already recognise the importance of bold energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets – not simply because they’re the right thing to do, but because they generate real commercial value for their businesses.
“The new Government has a golden opportunity to put cost effective carbon reductions from buildings at the heart of its economic plan. Ambitious, long-term policies would drive major economic growth and job creation, reduce energy bills for homes and businesses, and strengthen the UK’s energy security. This is a win-win-win for people, the environment and the economy.”
Energy efficiency advice for commercial properties
If you own or manage commercial properties, and are looking to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, Eaton Electrical can help. Call us to find out more on 01509 414222.
