Research claims homes could cut CO2 by 80% by 2050
27/11/2007 BBC Carbon dioxide emissions from UK homes could be cut by up to 80% by 2050, according to a low carbon strategy produced by Oxford University.
Financial incentives for home owners and tighter energy efficiency standards were among the study’s recommendations.
“This report is in support of the Climate Change Bill,” explained report author Brenda Boardman, a senior research fellow at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute. Dr Boardman said reducing emissions from energy use in people’s homes was “absolutely crucial” if the government was going to achieve the soon-to-be legally binding target. “It is crucial because it is large. Depending on what year’s measurements you use, it accounts for about 25-27% of all the UK’s carbon emissions.” The report’s blueprint for future low carbon homes includes: Legally binding emission targets – housing sector obliged to cut emissions by 3.8% each year from 2008 New homes – built in urban areas to increase the density of dwellings, cut car use and encourage take-up of micro generation systems Financial support – “robust programme” of tax incentives, including Stamp Duty rebates for insulated homes, and reduced VAT on energy efficient goods Fuel poverty – develop a database of energy efficiency for every home, and target funding at those in greatest need of support “The technologies are already there,” Dr Boardman told BBC News. ”People know about cavity wall insulation, double glazing and more efficient boilers and lighting.
Go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7113165.stm