Industry optimistic that coalition will build on green housing policies

The UK Green Building Council has spoken of its optimism that the new Government will continue to push the sustainable construction agenda but has called on David Cameron to beef up the role of Housing Minister, elevating it to a Cabinet position.


Under the Labour administration the Housing Minister sat in Cabinet, the UK’s top table of politics.

But the new incumbent, Grant Shapps, has yet to be granted that privilege.

“Housing has a huge impact on our quality of life, and is central to job creation and to creating a low carbon economy,” said the GBC’s chief executive Paul King.

“Given this importance we would like to see this role elevated to attending Cabinet, as it was previously.”

He said industry expected to see a continuation of policies that had received cross party support when the Conservatives and Lib Dems were in opposition.

“The last government set out world-leading commitments for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016 and all new non-domestic buildings from 2019, and the industry has risen to this challenge,” said Mr King.

“Both Conservatives and Liberal Democrats endorsed the zero carbon policies in opposition, and it is essential that we now see consistency from the new government.

“Industry needs this certainty to continue to invest and innovate in order to deliver these targets.

“Grant has previously stressed the importance of finalising the definition of a zero carbon home, which he is right to do. With the 2016 Task Force and the Zero Carbon Hub working so effectively with both government and industry, we have the right mechanisms in place to do this efficiently and effectively.”

Sam Bond

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