House of Commons Committee tells Government how to tackle emissions from existing housing | Practical Law

House of Commons Committee tells Government how to tackle emissions from existing housing | Practical Law

On 2 April 2008, the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee published its report, Existing Housing and Climate Change (the Report).

House of Commons Committee tells Government how to tackle emissions from existing housing

by PLC Environment
Published on 24 Apr 2008 • England, Wales
On 2 April 2008, the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee published its report, Existing Housing and Climate Change (the Report).
As the Government has taken steps to combat emissions from new homes, it is clear that it must also tackle those from existing housing, to meet its commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.
The Report sets out important recommendations for Government action on existing housing, including:
  • Giving stamp duty incentives for energy efficient homes, similar to those already given for zero-carbon new homes.
  • Speeding up the use and adoption of energy performance certificates by requiring them in all house advertisements and when applying for planning permission.
  • Investigating feed-in tariff incentives for home microgeneration.
  • Introducing a new Code for Existing Homes, similar to the Code for Sustainable Homes.
If adopted, the measures could lead to a sharp increase in microgeneration and retrofitting services. The proposals will be relevant to all homeowners, including landlords in the privately rented sector.