The RIBA has today reacted to the Government announcement that millions of households will receive £350 of support to help protect them from rising energy costs.
RIBA President, Simon Allford said:
“With energy prices skyrocketing, many households will welcome this direct financial support.
But this is a short-term fix, and the Government now needs to address the wider issue – the UK has some of the most energy inefficient homes in Europe.
The building fabric of the country’s housing stock must urgently be upgraded, and we need to move away from a reliance on gas heating – both to reduce carbon consumption and to ensure homeowners are less vulnerable to volatile gas prices.
This is a significant challenge, but one the Government must rise to through a well-funded National Retrofit Strategy with a clear roadmap for action.
Through retrofitting homes, we will both enhance people’s health and wellbeing and reduce carbon emissions, helping us to meeting our target of net-zero.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Isabel.Campbell@riba.org 020 7496 8349
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
