CIWEM urges government for retrofit scheme

CIWEM calls for a mandatory national retrofit programme for existing buildings that would stimulate a low carbon economy in the UK.

CIWEM says that the UK's existing housing stock is responsible for over a quarter of carbon emissions, and that non-domestic buildings add a further 17 per cent.

CIWEM recently published its Manifesto in which it calls for a national retrofit programme for energy and water saving technologies.

The institution says this has the potential to save 40 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum in the residential sector alone.

CIWEM says that retrofitting existing buildings with energy and water efficiency measures is a cost effective way to contribute to climate change obligations, and would help stimulate a low carbon economy through job creation for fitters, assessors and manufacturers.

CIWEM also calls for adaptation measures to cope with increased water stress, overheating and flooding.

The institution calls for a code for sustainable refit to be created and implemented with financial support.

Existing homes should be required to meet specific efficiency performance levels at point of next sale or as part of a staged programme, supported by incentives funded through capital gains tax and stamp duty.

CIWEM also urges the Government to make VAT zero-rated on material and labour costs which are applicable to green retrofit programmes.

CIWEM believes that greater emphasis should be placed upon the quality of design and construction.

CIWEM's Manifesto says: "Our recommendations can reduce our impact on the environment, enhance our energy security and bring down the costs to consumers, helping those that are most vulnerable".

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