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Posted On - 28/02/2017
Posted By - Glass Times

Energy efficiency should be at the heart of the government’s drive to build the one million required homes, according to a new report published recently.

The chair of the Prime Minister’s Policy Board, George Freeman MP, addressed business leaders in the House of Commons at the launch of a new report from the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) – ‘Building Places That Work for Everyone’ – at the end of February 2017.

The report profiles ways in which the construction and property industry can help to solve some of the biggest challenges facing government, addressing the needs of those just about managing and supporting ‘communities left behind’.

This includes: building more homes more quickly; improving public health; bringing down household bills; stimulating economic productivity; providing skilled jobs; and achieving the UK’s legally binding carbon reduction targets.

The report said the construction industry is eager to:

Deliver the one million homes set out by the government, rapidly and sustainably
Provide more than 100,000 new jobs from energy efficiency
Permanently reduce household bills and fuel poverty
Reduce GP appointments for vulnerable residents through energy efficiency schemes
Boost local employment and skills growth
Create healthier lives and stronger communities

The report features a wide range of case studies showcasing best practice from some of the UK’s leading designers, contractors and developers, and includes opinion pieces from the CEOs of Lendlease, E.ON, Kingfisher, WSP and Igloo Regeneration.

“The construction and property industry clearly plays a key role in helping the Government to unlock the economic and social potential from our built environment,” George Freeman MP said. “This report from the UK Green Building Council will help to ensure that the government works cohesively across all departments to focus on the clear benefits to society from building efficient sustainable homes for everyone as we continue to grow our dynamic modern economy.”