The government’s announcement of the Clean Growth Strategy has outlined how the UK aims to cut carbon emissions to combat climate change while continuing to drive economic growth
The strategy marks a change in tone – placing a low carbon agenda at the heart of economic growth alongside billions of pounds set aside for innovation. The Government has given a clear message on electric vehicles and green finance.
The government’s Clean Growth Strategy sets out how the entire country could benefit from low carbon economic opportunities through the creation of new technologies and new businesses, which will, in turn, create jobs and prosperity across the UK, while meeting the ambitious national targets to tackle climate change.
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said:
“This government has put clean growth at the heart of its Industrial Strategy to increase productivity, boost people’s earning power and ensure Britain continues to lead the world in efforts to tackle climate change.
“For the first time in a generation, the British government is leading the way on taking decisions on new nuclear, rolling out smart meters and investing in low carbon innovation. The world is moving from being powered by polluting fossil fuels to clean energy. It’s as big a change as the move from the age of steam to the age of oil and Britain is showing the way.”
Sustainable Homes looked at the implications of the Clean Growth Strategy on the housing sector. It suggested that as carbon emissions from homes account for 22% of all UK emissions, there was an opportunity for developers, landlords (both private and social) and owner occupiers to be empowered to reduce this.
Bevan Jones, managing director of Sustainable Homes, said: “We also need to reduce the emissions created by heating our homes and businesses, which account for almost a third of UK emissions.”
Sustainable Homes’ view is that housing, property and construction are far behind in their efforts to become more efficient and low-carbon. They added that there were some clear statements of intent that all of those involved in housing and property needed to take heed of.
Steve Mansour CEO of CRL structural home warranty insurance specialists, said: “Cutting emissions creates better homes, and reduces the cost of heating them: it’s a win-win scenario.
“We welcome the Clean Growth Strategy as a milestone in the UK working towards greater sustainability in new builds. The introduction of new zero carbon home standards is good for the green economy, good for the construction industry, and great for those buying new apartments and houses.”
