In a “statement of intent” to tackle emissions from the UK’s built environment, the Government appears willing to explore whole-life carbon assessments and ratcheting targets to reduce emissions, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) says.
In 2023, Ministers will launch a consultation on implementing a proposal from the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), which it says has the potential to address the source of 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government made the undertaking in its response to an EAC report, which examined the sustainability of the built environment.
The EAC says it considers that the new administration must now build on this momentum, acknowledging the urgency of clamping down on built environment emissions which were demonstrated in the Committee’s report. EAC continues that the Government’s timescales need to be more ambitious to meet carbon budgets and the Government’s net zero target.
I hope the new administration will reconsider fast-tracking the Future Homes Standard.
The Committee says it will press for the consultation to cover the mandating of whole-life carbon assessments through regulation and the planning system, and to propose progressively more ambitious carbon targets for the built environment that are consistent with climate commitments and carbon budgets.
The consultation must propose a clear and achievable timeline for the introduction of mandatory whole-life carbon assessments, the EAC says.
The EAC welcomes the Government’s intention to review the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure that it contributes as fully as possible to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This review is also to consider the role of circular economy principles in the built environment to boost the recycling and reuse of materials, a “significant” Committee recommendation.
While the Government’s response engages thoughtfully with several EAC’s recommendations, members are concerned that the rejection of a recommendation to fast-track the introduction of the Future Homes Standard represents a missed opportunity. If brought forward, the Future Homes Standard would accelerate the construction of low carbon homes with increased energy efficiency, which would in turn lead to lower household bills for energy use, the EAC says.
It appears that in this area departments are finally starting to demonstrate the joined-up working which is vital to get to net zero.
The EAC has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities reiterating the Committee’s findings detailed in its report, and making the case for action to address emissions associated with the built environment.
Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said: “The Government’s positive response to our Committee’s report represents a clear statement of intent to crack down on emissions from the built environment.
“Emissions in buildings span the responsibilities of multiple government departments. After years of pressure from this Committee, it appears that in this area departments are finally starting to demonstrate the joined-up working which is vital to get to net zero.
“But this progress must continue under the new administration. It is very welcome that the Prime Minister has already confirmed her Government is committed to net zero. Tackling emissions from our building stock must be a vital part of achieving this.
“I hope the new administration will reconsider fast-tracking the Future Homes Standard. Mandating energy-efficient new-build homes will not only help the UK’s net zero ambitions but will reduce the energy bills for their future occupants. The Government must be bold and act now on energy efficiency.”
