Product category:
Building Trade Associations and Institutes
News Release from: National Home Improvement Council [NHIC] | Subject: Saving energy and reducing carbon emissions
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 January 2006
NHIC pressure on energy and carbon
emissions
NHIC to increase pressure on saving energy and reducing carbon emissions from homes
According to the National Home Improvement Council a disturbingly high percentage of private sector homes are still well below the energy efficiency levels that are necessary to help meet the Government' s CO2 emissions reduction by 2010 On the other hand, the social housing sector is making good progress
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 30 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
NHIC 2004 Annual Awards Scheme Submissions
NHIC 2004 Annual Awards Scheme has received its highest number of submissions for over a decade.
NHIC backs construction election agenda
The National Home Improvement Council backs construction election agenda and underlines special commitments.
NHIC director, Graham Ponting, says: "Global warming is the biggest threat to mankind and we should all be pulling our weight to make sure it is brought under control.
Throughout 2006 the NHIC aims to further increase its pressure on government and other decision makers to ensure that measures are taken to enable homeowners and tenants to become more energy efficient.
"For example, we estimate that around 17.5 million homes, that is about two thirds of the UK housing stock, do not have adequate loft insulation.
If this area alone was improved it could reduce CO2 emissions by around 7.5million tonnes a year.
Ponting also points out that there are millions of homes with "totally inefficient heating systems" that need updating and bringing into line with modern standards such as the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations which some into effect in April.
"There are at least 7 million homes that are still classified non-decent in England, Scotland and Wales and these to be tackled as a priority," say Graham Ponting.
"So we shall be further urging the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reduce or even totally eliminate VAT on all home improvements.
Also we shall be seeking to encourage the introduction of incentives either through special grants or tax breaks to motivate householders.
"We are firmly of the opinion that the longer 17.5% VAT remains on home improvements the more it contradicts the government's own targets for improving the housing stock and making it more efficient".
The NHIC's VAT Action Group, which includes representatives from all sectors of the home improvement industry, continues to move forward with its comments and recommendations.
• National Home Improvement Council [NHIC]: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
