'Urgent action' to cut carbon dioxide output from homes needed, says new campaign group

The UK will fall 'drastically short' of long-term targets for reducing emissions without urgent action to cut carbon dioxide output from homes, a new coalition of housing and environmental groups have warned. The coalition, called the Existing Homes Alliance, includes the Energy Saving Trust, the Housing Corporation, the Sustainable Development Commission, Green Alliance and the UK Green Building Council.

The Existing Homes Alliance wants to see a range of measures to tackle climate change and drive down energy bills, including council tax rebates and grants for householders who invest in improving energy efficiency.

The coalition is also calling for feed-in tariffs to pay people for the energy they create at home from small-scale power schemes, and a major programme of 'exemplar' refurbishments, which would see 500,000 homes converted to low-energy dwellings within five years.

The refurbishment scheme could include the conversion of whole streets in areas where there are high levels of fuel poverty, the coalition said.

Other measures supported by the groups include a clear timetable for regulation such as minimum standards for household energy performance.

The UK's existing housing stock is responsible for a quarter of the country's total carbon emissions, and 85% of today's homes are expected still to be in use in 2050.

A declaration published by the Existing Homes Alliance to mark its launch warned urgent investment and action were needed by the Government and industry to tackle emissions from existing housing.

'This will also help protect against future energy price rises, cold-related deaths in winter, and climate change risks such as future over-heating in summer,' the declaration said.

'If action is not taken now we will fall drastically short of the UK's long-range targets to reduce carbon emissions.'

The Climate Change Bill currently going through Parliament will set legally-binding emissions cuts of at least 60% by 2050, although green groups and scientists have been calling for cuts of 80% to be implemented.

Simon McWhirter, homes campaign manager at WWF, one of the groups in the coalition, said: 'Current Government policies are piecemeal and industry has yet to step up to the challenge at a national level, resulting in scant support and incentives for homeowners.'

'It doesn't take much to realise that more efficient homes can not only help in the fight against climate change but can also result in lower fuel bills for homeowners.'

The Alliance said it is aiming to drive concerted action among Government, business, the housing sector and individuals to save carbon and reduce energy bills for the existing housing stock.

Paul Ruyssevelt, director of Energy for Sustainable Development and acting chairman of the coalition, said: 'If we act now, and act decisively as a unified industry we can significantly reduce the impact that existing housing has on national CO2 emissions once and for all.

'This approach will ensure the UK can meet its international responsibilities while securing energy-efficient and low-carbon homes for future generations.'