Most of the focus of this call for evidence is on the application to regulations to new build properties. However, as 85% of the housing stock we have today will still be with us in 2050, there is an urgent need to tackle its energy performance and to apply improved standards to existing homes.
To help ensure climate change and fuel poverty targets are achieved, we believe that regulations should also apply in the following circumstances:
• Standards should be introduced as consequential improvements. This is a common approach in the construction sector, under which significant improvement works, such as those requiring planning permission, would also trigger a need to assess and if necessary upgrade energy efficiency.
• Similarly, standards should be introduced as a condition of accessing public funding to upgrade a house, whether or not planning permission is required.
• The introduction of standards should be accompanied by appropriate advice and incentives
