Forty percent of UK carbon emissions come from buildings and the largest contributor to this total is our homes, with domestic property accounting for 27 percent of total UK carbon emissions. 

Climate change, global shortages of oil and natural gas together with rising costs of the same mean that the UK and the rest of Western society is in for a massive and collective shock unless urgent action is taken to move towards a low carbon economy.  The Government is beginning to take action on these issues through the Climate Change Bill and recommendations made as part of its ongoing Energy Review.

RICS’ position in a sentence

The energy efficiency of existing housing must be tackled urgently if carbon emissions from the built environment are going to be significantly reduced and the most effective short term measures will be banning conventional light bulbs and incentivising people to install wall and loft insulation.

RICS’ recommendation

The Government should concentrate its efforts on getting people to properly insulate their homes alongside a programme to increase awareness of energy efficiency in people’s homes.

RICS’ view

Download the RICS position in full by clicking on word downloads on the right hand side.