Energy efficiency
Improving the energy efficiency of homes Derek Horrocks, chairman of the National Insulation Association, discusses the recently-announced Green Homes Grant Scheme and the role of insulation in helping the country meet climate targets Now one year on since the UK became the This will consequently tackle fuel poverty first major economy to commit to reaching which currently impacts the physical and net zero emissions by 2050, work to mental well-being of over 2.4 million decarbonise our homes and buildings is on families in England alone. Combating the near horizon. Whilst buildings are often the prominence of this issue will in turn and somewhat detrimentally overlooked ease pressure on the NHS following the in the climate debate, this is an area that insurmountable strain it has been under demands government intervention and one in recent months and help to reduce the where policy has somewhat lagged behind. £1.4 billion of spending it attributes each Commitments have thankfully been made year to the effects of poor homes. Indeed, to build new homes to better standards there are many challenges to face in the from 2025, however those that have aftermath of the health crisis, including already been constructed represent the the mass unemployment sparked by the majority of homes that will be lived in by national lockdown. 2050 and will need to be retrofitted with energy efficiency measures as £3bn energy soon as possible, starting efficiency package with insulation to reduce Now as restrictions ease, energy demand. albeit with uncertainty, The National the government has Insulation indicated a step forward Right no Association (NIA) by announcing a £3 w, our hom e launched a billion energy efficiency s a re costly to the e blueprint for a package to create, n v ir onment to cons Home Upgrade support and protect a u Grant scheme jobs in line with the the cou mers right acrnd oss ntry. It is in July this low carbon agenda. tim transfor year, calling for The Green Homes Grant mation e for the government Scheme forms part of to fast track the energy efficiency scheme pledged in the Conservative Manifesto as part of the green economic recovery. It was hugely encouraging, therefore, to see Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveil a Green Homes Grant scheme within the summer economic statement shortly afterwards. This investment in the energy efficiency of homes will not just improve air quality and reduce emissions, but will also help to make homes more affordable to run.
this important plan, with an additional £1 billion Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme set to offer grants to public sector bodies such as schools and hospitals. Both schemes are hugely promising and will have far reaching impacts on the wider economy. For those already living in or at risk of fuel poverty, the Green Homes Grants offer a lifeline; improving the thermal efficiency of homes will help to provide families with warmer, more affordable living environments during the colder months and will ease concerns around high energy bills during a potential second lockdown in winter. The inflation in energy bills this would bring could be devastating to those who are already forced to choose between heating and eating each winter. The same can be said for many insulation contractors who may have been at risk of job losses after Covid-19; the drive in demand that the Green Homes Grant is expected to bring will now help to sustain employment for those already in the sector whilst creating new opportunities across the country. This is estimated at around 140,000 green jobs which will in turn help to increase spending and stimulate E
Issue 27.4 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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