All UK households will have a ‘whole house’ green makeover of energy saving measures, renewable energy sources and loft and cavity wall insulation by 2030 under government plans to reduce carbon emissions.

Three consultations on improving energy efficiency in housing were launched by the Government this month, aimed at pushing the country towards achieving the zero carbon homes target it set last year.

The Heat and Energy Saving Strategy claims that its recommendations will save 44m tonnes of CO2 by 2020, or 30% of household carbon emissions in 2006, by making cavity wall and loft insulation available for all suitable homes by 2015, providing financial support and incentives and examining how current Building Regulations support energy saving measures.

Financial incentives for householders will also be available for microgeneration technologies such as solar panels, biomass boilers and ground source heat pumps, paid for by a levy on utility companies.

“We need a radical shift to play our part in tackling climate change… to show the world that a low carbon economy is possible,” said energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband, housing minister Margaret Beckett and communities secretary Hazel Blears, in the Strategy. “Individual households will take decisions about their own homes. Communities can act together to make choices about changes like district heating, or inspire and encourage each other to be more energy conscious. Businesses, large and small, can choose the most energy efficient premises.”

The other consultations launched were the Community Energy Saving Programme and Amendments to the Carbon Emission Reduction Target, which aim to deliver energy saving measures to low income communities, and increase the lifetime carbon emission reduction target on household energy suppliers by 20%.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust said the Government need to act rather than just discuss ideas: "We are not short of ideas; we just need action and now. Armed with the knowledge that 70% of our current housing stock will still be around in 2050, we know we need to be bold."

UK Green Building Council chief executive Paul King said the Strategy shows the Government understands the scale of the challenge and has set suitably ambitious targets. He said it sets practical steps for overcoming barriers faced by home owners, landlords and social housing providers. But he warned that the Treasury would have to raise its game.

“Financial incentives are needed to encourage major green refurbishments,” he said.

The Green Alliance said it was delighted with the proposals for heat which had been the Cinderella of energy policy. Director Stephen Hale welcomed the whole house and community approach but Alistair Darling would need to provide more support.

But although Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins welcomed the target to cut a third off household emissions by 2020, he said it wouldn’t be achieved if we wait four years.

“An urgent and comprehensive green homes programme must be a central part of Government plans to kick-start the economy,” he urged.

WWF-UK, which has campaigned strongly on the issue, welcomed the level of ambition but urged the Government to be clear about delivery tactics and financial mechanisms.

“We urgently need to see some substance behind the headlines,” said head of campaigns Colin Butfield.

http://www.decc.gov.uk/pdfs/hes-full-consultation.pdf

http://www.decc.gov.uk/pdfs/cesp-full-consultation.pdf

http://www.decc.gov.uk/pdfs/cert-full-consultation.pdf