More than 50 companies from the construction and property industry have united to sign an open letter which calls on the UK government to recognise the “major economic opportunity” offered by reducing carbon emissions from buildings.
The open letter, published in The Daily Telegraph, calls on George Osborne to acknowledge “the remarkable degree of consensus” among the industry for tackling emissions.
The organisations – which include BAM Construct, Barratt Developments, E.ON, Saint-Gobain and Whitbread – believe that carbon reductions present an opportunity for green growth, contributing to the economy and helping the government’s plan for deficit reduction.
“Building energy efficiency stimulates economic activity, strengthens our international competitiveness and creates thousands of jobs across the UK, mostly with small local businesses,” read the letter. “It lowers costs for businesses and householders, and reduces the burden on the NHS. And as a more cost effective means of meeting demand than building new generating capacity, it is also crucial in safeguarding our energy security.”
.
Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, which coordinated the letter, added: “Business leaders already recognise the importance of bold energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets – not simply because they’re the right thing to do, but because they generate real commercial value for their businesses.
“The new government has a golden opportunity to put cost effective carbon reductions from buildings at the heart of its economic plan. Ambitious, long-term policies would drive major economic growth and job creation, reduce energy bills for homes and businesses, and strengthen the UK’s energy security. This is a win-win-win for people, the environment and the economy.”
.
