The "Great British Refurb"

Yesterday, the Government published a consultation on the Heat and Energy Saving (HES) Strategy: a long-term plan dubbed the "Great British refurb" by the Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Milliband. The consultation closes on 8 May 2008.

In the draft HES Strategy, the Government has concluded that existing buildings in the UK will need to reduce carbon emissions to almost zero in order for the UK to meet the target of an 80% cut in emissions by 2050. To meet this target, the Government is considering how to incentivise individuals and communities to take radical steps to save energy. In the Government's view, taking such steps will: (i) benefit households by reducing their energy costs; (ii) help address energy security and diversity of supply issues; and (iii) boost the economy by creating new business opportunities.