In the speech, made by Her Majesty The Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, the Queen said that measures will be introduced by the government to increase energy security through a proposed Energy Bill. She also referred to climate change stating that the government will “seek effective global collaboration to combat climate change, including at the climate change conference in Paris later this year.”
However, the speech and information on the Energy Bill itself failed to include any mention of energy efficiency in buildings, according to the UK Green Building Council (UK GBC).
“Tackling climate change on the global stage is an absolute necessity and the Government’s renewed commitment is welcome, but we cannot ignore our responsibility to start the fight at home – beginning with our own homes and buildings” said Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of the UK GBC. “Energy efficiency represents one of the most cost-effective means of reducing our emissions and contributes to the UK’s energy security, yet it remains on the Government’s blind side. The Queen’s Speech represents a missed opportunity for Government to set out how it can reduce emissions from our built environment.”
In a letter sent to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, business leaders from across the country argue that the building sector provides “cost-effective carbon reductions” which not only present opportunities for major economic growth but also contribute to ongoing economic recovery and deficit reduction.
The majority of the 55 signatories are UK GBC members. In the letter, they state that building energy efficiency stimulates economic activity, strengthens the UK’s international competitiveness and creates thousands of jobs, mostly with small, local businesses. Energy efficiency also brings down costs for businesses and householders alike and reduces the burden on the NHS. As a more cost-effective means of meeting demand that building new generating capacity, it is also crucial in safeguarding the UK’s energy security.
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