Earlier posts on this blog have probably contributed to, or at least played along with, the political fascination with new build and the presumption that it's a panacea for all our sustainability aspirations, in particular the controversy surrounding EcoTowns. But what about doing something with our existing housing and building stock that so often leaks energy like a sieve?
If the importance of this issue wasn't already clear, consider the Government's fuel poverty action plan, in which it reckons some 2.5m households are in 'fuel poverty' (for more details see here). Its answers seem politicaly expedient, however, rather than dealing with the cause of the problem.
Details of the fuel poor are to be shared with power companies to help them identify who best to subsidise, while £3m is to be diverted from existing fuel efficiency schemes - big deal (unless you're one of the direct beneficiaries). Friends of the Earth remains distinctly unimpressed, accusing the Government of hypocrisy.
And what of the construction industry? Shouldn't it be more active in targeting the refurbishment market, or is pipe-lagging and loft insulation beneath it these days?
PS: Next week I'm off to BRE to see progress on its Victorian stableblock refurbishment and the lessons it can provide. Watch this space.
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