The Government must accelerate its plans to green the nation’s homes or risk missing its net zero carbon emissions target, said the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) today in its response to the Environmental Audit Committee's report on the energy efficiency of existing homes.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “A long-term National Retrofit Strategy, underpinned by a skills plan and fiscal incentives that build supply and demand for home retrofits, must be a Government priority ahead of COP26. If we are to lead the world in tackling climate change, then the Government must act now to mobilise a market that has historically failed and will continue to do so if we rely on flash-in-the-pan schemes. The FMB welcomes the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on energy efficiency published today, and we urge the Government to adopt its recommendations in full.”
Berry concluded: “Local builders must be at the heart of plans to green our homes, and a National Retrofit Strategy would provide them with the confidence they need to invest in the necessary skills and training requirements. Cutting VAT on home improvement projects, in combination with financial solutions like green mortgages, would help make green home upgrades a reality for more households.”
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.
