Missed Opportunity: Budget Falls Short on Green Housing and Employment

Strategic Insights -

The recent budget announcements, despite welcoming investments in the environmental economy and green housing, have been met with disappointment by the Human City Institute (HCI). The Institute had hoped for a more ambitious plan to tackle global warming and fuel poverty by retro-fitting the UK's housing stock, which accounts for 27% of the country's carbon emissions. HCI's research highlights that unrestrained climate change will disproportionately affect the poor and old, and that reducing fuel poverty, which affects one in 10 families, is crucial.

Key Takeaways:

  • HCI argues that new housing should meet the highest energy efficiency standards, but upgrading existing homes is the most effective way to tackle global warming and reduce fuel poverty.
  • The UK's housing stock currently emits 27% of the country's carbon emissions, making it a critical area for climate action.
  • 72,000 homes in the West Midlands are empty, with 88% in the private sector, presenting an opportunity for upgrading energy efficiency and creating affordable housing.
  • The construction industry, which has been badly affected by the credit crunch and stalling housing market, could employ tens of thousands of redundant workers to deliver a "Green New Deal".
  • HCI's research supports the idea that tackling housing and energy efficiency issues can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
  • President Obama has endorsed a "Green New Deal" to address climate change and create jobs.
  • Fuel poverty affects one in 10 families in the UK, with the poor and old being disproportionately affected by climate change.

Statistics:

  • 27% of UK carbon emissions come from housing.
  • 72,000 homes in the West Midlands are empty, with 88% in the private sector.
  • One in 10 families in the UK suffers from fuel poverty.
  • The construction industry could employ tens of thousands of redundant workers to deliver a "Green New Deal".
  • Appendix:

Sources:

  • Human City Institute (HCI)
  • Research report by HCI (publication date not specified)
  • President Obama (endorsement of "Green New Deal")