The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.
RIBA President, Alan Jones, said:
“Whilst I welcome the intention, I am concerned that the Prime Minister has underestimated the scale of the challenge to meet net-zero.
The Government has gone some way to recognise the vital role of the built environment in a green economic recovery and it is positive to see implementation of the Future Homes Standard accelerated. Additional funding to improve energy efficiency - particularly through the one-year extension to the Green Homes Grant - is also welcome.
However, as we grapple with a global climate emergency these plans do not go nearly far enough and are seriously lacking pace.
For example, we are calling for a National Retrofit Strategy including a new stamp duty policy to encourage homeowners to invest in sustainability. The Government have committed to spending £9.2 billion on energy efficiency over the next ten years, but we can’t afford this delay – this investment must be brought forward.
The Government needs a long-term plan, creative solutions and to act with greater urgency if we are to meet net-zero targets.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Press contact: Isabel.Campbell@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7496 8349
- 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 @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
- The RIBA published a report last week entitled ‘Greener Homes’ calling for:
- the introduction of stamp duty incentive for homes based on energy performance, with the most inefficient homes paying up to £25,000 more. Homeowners would be able to get a rebate for a period after the tax is paid, encouraging energy efficiency improvements when they may be making other changes to their home.
- the Government to bring forward 10 years of planned spending on energy efficiency like home insulation to assist with the recovery over the next few years.
- better targeting of existing income support payments including the Warm Homes Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment, which are presently poorly targeted towards the most fuel poor.
- a clear long-term timeline for increasing the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for both the private and social rented sectors;
- stronger standards for new homes;
- more information and regulation of the quality of building work carried out by tradespeople making energy efficiency improvements.
