Local authorities should work more closely with energy companies to deliver greener housing, according to a government strategy published today.

Warmer Homes, Greener Homes sets out the government’s intention to build on the Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT), which legally obliges energy companies to help homeowners improve their homes, but is due to end in 2012.

The strategy, published by the Department for Energy & Climate Change, proposes a bigger role for local authorities, including a requirement on energy companies to consult with councils before targeting specific homes for energy reductions.

It says this would allow energy companies to tackle areas with the poorest carbon performance and more easily advise communities on eco-upgrading their homes.

The government also proposes introducing a “Pay As You Save” scheme, which would allow homeowners to get bank finance for making their homes greener, in return for a share of the savings made from cheaper energy bills.

Communities Secretary John Denham said local authorities were in a unique position to bring about the behavioural change needed to meet the UK commitment to reduce emissions by 34% on 1990 levels by 2020.

“Councils are already making huge advances on this agenda. We want all local authorities to take the lead on reducing emissions in their area. There are obvious benefits for local people both financially and in terms of quality of life and it is crucial that local authorities maximise these and involve local people every step of the way.”

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Director of Business Environment, said more needed to be done to get households on board.

“Helping people overcome the upfront costs by rolling out pay-as-you-save schemes is a step in the right direction,” he said. “But even if they are willing to sign up for these loans, this scheme is still a few years away.”

“The CBI has been calling for measures that will have an immediate effect on household emissions. They include council tax rebates for the most energy-efficient houses, tax breaks to encourage firms to help staff insulate homes and a white goods scrappage scheme.”

Commenting on the Government’s household energy management strategy announced today, RICS spokesperson, Barry Hall said:

A spokesman for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors said more information needed to be given to consumers on how to reduce their homes’ carbon footprint. “For consumers to buy into such measures, they must have confidence in the advice, the products, their installation, and the supporting financial information provided.”

To read the full report, click here: Warm Homes Greener Homes

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