UKGBC reacts to PM’s environment speech

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today reacted to Theresa May’s speech on the environment and the publication of the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive at UKGBC, said:

“It is very encouraging that the Prime Minister has chosen to focus on the importance of protecting and restoring our environment in a major speech. She has highlighted the compatibility of strong environmental regulations with a free market economy, and positioned Brexit as an opportunity to strengthen our environmental protections.

“The 25 Year Plan contains some positive commitments to improving our built environment, with a target to embed an ‘environmental net gain’ principle for development and ensure high environmental standards for all new build housing. But, as many have noted, this plan is not legislation. We need these commitments to be reflected in the upcoming review of building regulations and an ambitious Environment Act.

“We need today’s enthusiasm for the environment to be maintained and embedded across all Government departments. This speech comes just a couple of weeks after the Government watered down proposals for a price cap on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards in domestic properties. If the Government truly wants to show ‘global leadership’ in protecting our environment and tackling climate change, we must see strong actions across the board.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

The 25 Year Environment Plan is available here.

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