MOT-style tests proposed to assess buildings' energy efficiency

Homes and offices should have annual MOT-style tests to asses their energy efficiency and encourage green retrofitting, a government thinktank has suggested.

A Foresight report looking at how the country’s buildings can cut their carbon emissions calls for the green upgrade of the nation’s older homes as a “quick fix” to meet government sustainability targets.

It stresses “urgent attention” is needed to improve the energy performance of existing buildings and calls for a move to more decentralised energy systems such as solar panels.

Foresight director Professor John Beddington said: “Homes built in the future will be more carbon neutral, however the vast majority of buildings pre-date our awareness of emissions and climate change – these are where quick-wins can be achieved.

“Bringing older housing stocks’ energy efficiency up to standard should be a priority – providing the right incentives and support are offered to encourage homeowners, business, housing authorities and local government to change their thinking.”

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the report, which involved consultations with experts in economics, planning and construction; was a valuable contribution to the energy efficiency debate.

“We will be building on current policies supporting individuals and communities as they develop secure, low carbon energy supplies and retrofit buildings,” he said.

“Already we’re introducing legislation to provide real incentives for those installing small scale renewable electricity and heat technologies.”