A National Retrofit Strategy to upgrade our existing homes to make them more energy efficient is needed to underpin the Government’s energy white paper, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The announcement of the long-anticipated Energy White Paper, with its focus on making our buildings warmer and greener, is an important step forward on the UK’s journey toward net-zero. Britain has 28 million homes many of which are energy inefficient and 85% of which will still be in use in 2050. Given that homes contribute 20% of the country's carbon emissions it's important that they are retrofitted to help deliver the Government’s carbon targets.”
Berry concluded: “The Government has a unique opportunity to develop a national retrofit strategy as part of its Energy White Paper to ensure we have greener homes. Given the upcoming COP26, 2021 provides a pivotal moment for the Government to demonstrate that the UK can be a world leader in creating greener homes. A national retrofit strategy, rather than a series of piecemeal initiatives, would underpin this ambition.”
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
