The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Business and Energy Secretary’s announcements: £44million funding package and the Together for our Planet ‘Business Climate Leaders’ campaign.
RIBA CEO, Alan Vallance said:
“The funding announced today to improve the energy efficiency of our building stock is a step in the right direction. However, it's just a fraction of the investment required to address the scale of the issue at hand.
The Government must urgently set out a comprehensive framework and publish its long-overdue Heat and Buildings Strategy. As outlined in our Greener Homes' campaign, it must include a long-term policy and investment programme for upgrading the energy efficiency of our housing stock, and a National Retrofit Strategy, which incentivises homeowners to make the necessary changes.
I welcome the Government’s recognition of the important role small businesses will play in reaching net-zero. RIBA Chartered Practices, many of whom fit into this category, are already taking steps to reduce their carbon impact by signing-up to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge – which calls on architects to meet net-zero (or better) whole life carbon for new and retrofitted buildings by 2030.
We will continue to support our sector to drive forward change. We must all play our part in tackling the climate emergency.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- For further press information contact Isabel.Campbell@riba.org +44 (0) 207 5805 5533
- 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.
