UKGBC – Clean Growth Strategy special

25/10/2017

UKGBC – Clean Growth Strategy special

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UKGBC – Clean Growth Strategy special

After a year of delays and politically-motivated name changes, the Government has now finally published the Clean Growth Strategy. And I’m pleased to say it took a lot of people by surprise in its level of ambition. The aim to bring as many homes as possible up to EPC band C by 2035 was probably the biggest headline, but there were also encouraging mentions of tightening minimum standards for rented properties and strengthening energy performance standards in building regulations.

Of course, it won’t have escaped many people’s attention that although the Strategy was ambitious, it was still rather light on actual policy announcements. Aside from a rather disappointing announcement about ECO funding, most of the built environment sections read like a long list of ambitions, promises and consultations. But there’s an old phrase about a gift-horse which is probably relevant here. In spite of the lack of policies, this is easily the most ambitious document we have seen from government in the best part of a decade. And if (a big if) all of the proposals included are enacted, then it is highly likely they would get us back on track to meeting the UK’s climate change targets.

So now we need to make sure that these promises are translated into action. We will be working hard to ensure Government hears a progressive industry voice during the torrent of consultations which will come out of the Strategy – keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved in future updates. https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Clean-Growth-Strategy-UKGBC-Policy-Paper.pdf

Richard Twinn
Policy Advisor
Source: UKGBC