Viewpoints

It is extremely encouraging to hear that the new coalition government intends to prioritise policies that cut carbon emissions and protect against climate change and we are optimistic that the new secretary of state for energy and climate change, Chris Huhne will do a good job.

While Mr Huhne’s remit will naturally start at a higher level than housing, we would call for a raft of measures that will prove extremely important for reducing the huge proportion of carbon emissions attributable to our homes and buildings.

First and foremost is the need to decarbonise the power grid and to continue to offer financial incentives, such as Renewable Heat Incentives and Feed in Tariffs, to encourage homeowners to adopt renewable technologies.

To achieve our goals of improved energy efficiency, it will also be essential to ensure that our new homes, while becoming increasingly sustainable, are built to be attractive and comfortable for the homeowner, fitting in with their modern lifestyle and providing a healthy indoor environment.

To this end, we would also hope to see government support and legislative drivers for the use of natural daylight and ventilation in buildings, as well as benchmark studies leading to achievable legislative standards of what constitutes a healthy indoor climate.

VELUX’s belief in the utility of such research has already led us to commission the 'Healthy Homes' report by Dr Richard Hobday MSc, that will be the subject of a political round table event in the Houses of Parliament in June 2010.

www.velux.co.uk