The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today welcomed the government鈥檚 for UK emissions and the .
RIBA President, Alan Jones, said:
鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to see the government set out an ambitious new target to cut emissions by 68% by 2030. That ambition must now be turned into action.
With emissions from UK homes on the rise, the decarbonisation of our housing stock will be fundamental to achieving the new target. As the RIBA's latest report outlines, embarking on a National Retrofit Strategy and introducing a sliding scale for stamp duty where the most efficient homes pay less than the least will be critical.
I also welcome today鈥檚 NAO report which highlights our shared concern about the coordination between government departments when it comes to driving forward energy efficiency policies. To ensure an adequately funded HM Treasury must take the lead 鈥� it鈥檚 time to make this a national infrastructure priority. While we echo the NAO鈥檚 call to the government to lead by example and reduce their own emissions, it鈥檚 disappointing to see no mention of the significance of undertaking Post Occupancy Evaluation 鈥� something we have been urging the government to commit to on all publicly funded buildings.
To reach this target, and net zero by 2050, we urgently need an adequately-funded National Retrofit Strategy and commitment to understanding how well or poorly all buildings actually perform鈥�
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Press contact: Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow for regular updates.
