29.02.12
Barker outlines sustainable growth through Green Deal
The Green Deal will create sustainable growth through investment in the economy and could support up to 65,000 jobs by 2015, climate change minister Greg Barker is set to announce today.
Speaking at the British Property Federation conference today, Barker will outline the important role landlords have to play in driving demand and boosting local economic development.
He is set to say: “The Green Deal will be a fantastic opportunity for the consumer to transform their home, for local authorities to help the most vulnerable and for business and industry to capitalise on a market which could support up to 65,000 jobs by 2015.
“Energy efficiency has been long ignored, but it is vital for tackling climate change, for protecting energy security and for boosting economic growth. The Green Deal will make home improvements affordable by removing the upfront cost, there will be plenty of choice in the market from well-known and trusted high street names alongside independent advice and good quality workmanship.”
British Property Federation policy director Ian Fletcher added: “Change is coming, and private rented sector landlords must rise to the challenge of retrofitting homes with energy efficient measures. For the policy to really fly we hope the forthcoming budget will support it with some fiscal incentives, and it would also really help landlords to have greater clarity about the minimum energy standards that will operate in the sector from 2018.
“The private rented sector also has some of the hardest to treat homes and it is therefore important that the energy company obligation provides better support than previous initiatives, for the benefit of tenants in the sector where the Green Deal may not stack up.”
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