UKGBC reacts to Government’s PRS proposals

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today reacted to the Government’s proposals detailed in the consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes.

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today reacted to the Government’s proposals detailed in the consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes.

John Alker, Director of Policy and Places at UKGBC, said

“Domestic properties in the private rented sector are among the least energy efficient across the country’s building stock. We’re therefore very pleased to see the Government showing commitment to upgrading the performance of these homes. Improving the energy efficiency of homes is a policy no brainier that puts money back in people’s pockets through savings on energy bills; supports local economies by providing green jobs; saves money for the NHS through avoiding health issues associated with cold conditions and drives down our carbon emissions – all at the same time.

“We welcome the Government’s ambition, outlined in today’s proposals, to achieve EPC Band C across all tenancies by 2028. However, there is a significant need to improve enforcement and ensure that appropriate incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, are in place to support landlords in making improvements over the next eight years.

“Furthermore, any strategy targeting the PRS must be part of a wider push for energy efficiency across other sectors through a national infrastructure programme, which is critical to build a highly skilled installation market and drive down costs across the board.”

-ENDS-

The consultation is available on the GOV.UK website here.

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