Energy performance of existing housing

A report by a UK Parliamentary Committee on Communities and Local Government criticises the UK Government’s concentration on improving the energy performance new homes and paying too little attention to existing housing stock.

The report highlights the energy deficiencies of existing stock, which, on average, emit twice as much carbon per home as one constructed to present standards, and calls for more concerted action. The report makes 34 detailed recommendations.

Its conclusion recognises that making the required 60% reduction over a 40 year period will require a ‘remarkable change in our habits…and the technologies used to build and run our homes’, but , looking back on the changes that have taken place over the last 40 years, concludes that ‘it is unimaginable to say that we cannot make substantial change’.