Delaying energy efficiency standards for renters is environmentally reckless and economically damaging
UKGBC's Deputy Chief Executive responds to comments made by Michael Gove.
- During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme on 25th July, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove discussed key policies for housing relating to the UK’s net zero transition.
- Speaking about the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for Energy Performance Certificates which the Government had signalled to be introduced in 2025, he said: We will move “away from the strict deadline that we have at the moment . . . I wanted to signal to the people in the private rented sector that we have heard their concerns at this point.”
Responding to the comments, UKGBC Deputy Chief Executive Simon McWhirter said:
Rolling back plans to improve the energy efficiency of rented homes is environmentally reckless and economically damaging. The last time the Government went down the path of slashing green measures it added billions to people’s energy bills.
“Upgrading the energy efficiency of homes is essential if we are to meet our climate targets. Doing so would add value to landlords’ properties and improve the lives of millions of tenants who live in cold, damp, mouldy and unsafe homes. This is the moment to be strengthening energy efficiency measures not watering them down.”
Home Retrofit
With time running out to keep global temperatures to 1.5 degrees, upgrading the nation’s homes is one of the biggest opportunities the UK has to reduce carbon emissions whilst tackling the cost-of-living crisis, energy security and levelling up.
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