MPs probe the problem of 'greening' existing buildings

Date: 16/04/2008

A parliamentary inquiry is being launched today into what ministers, city leaders, property owners and occupiers need to do to cut carbon emissions from the country's offices, shops and factories.

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 of who seek more information can visit allparty-urbandevelopment.org.uk

For media enquiries, interviews or background info, please contact:

Andrew Teacher
British Property Federation
ateacher@bpf.org.uk
020 7802 0113 / 07968 124545

For information about this parliamentary inquiry, please contact:

Paula Lucci
Centre for Cities
p.lucci@centreforcities.org
020 7803 4306

NOTES TO EDITORS

About the group

The All Party Parliamentary Urban Development Group was established to provide a forum for MPs and Peers from all political parties to come together to raise awareness of matters concerning urban renewal and sustainable development.

The group's officers include: 

  • Clive Betts MP (Labour - Sheffield Attercliffe - Chair)
  • Lord Richard Best (Cross-bench - Vice Chair)
  • Andrew Pelling MP (Conservative - Croydon Central - Vice Chair)
  • Baroness Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat - Vice Chair)
  • Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP (Labour - Greenwich and Woolwich - Hon Chair)

The British Property Federation has been formally registered by the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to provide secretariat services for the group in partnership with the Centre for Cities, an independent urban research unit, carrying out the group's research.

 
What is sustainability?

The sustainability of the building stock is not just about energy efficiency but encompasses other factors such as water efficiency and the movement of people and goods to and from buildings.  However, the enquiry will focus on energy efficiency.

Other green commitments

Energy Performance Certificates for non-domestic buildings were introduced on 6 April and will be rolled out during the coming months.

The requirement on occupiers of public buildings to produce Display Energy Certificates showing the operational energy rating of such buildings (coming into force on 1 October 2008) is likely to be extended to other types of property. However, many in the private sector are planning to produce DECs on a voluntary basis in any case. These too, will be catalysts for change.

Local authorities have an important role to play in setting carbon reduction strategies for their areas including requirements for the use of decentralised renewable energy. However,   such strategies must recognise the need to maintain economic viability and conform with national guidance, allowing the use of on-site, near-site and off-site renewable solutions.

Construction waste forms a substantial part of the waste generated every year, much of which goes to landfill. Construction clients, as well as contractors, have an important part to play in meeting targets for halving the amount of waste that goes to landfill.  Solid waste and landfill lie outside the scope of the inquiry.

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