Industry condemns ‘watered down’ green housing standards

The domestic renewable energy industry has condemned the Government’s proposals to scrap green standards for new build properties. The Government is proposing to get rid of the 2008 Planning and Energy Act which gives councils and local authorities the freedom to set their own renewables and energy efficiency targets. The renewables industry claims the proposal […]

Finally! All new buildings must stand up to energy standard

All new houses and buildings in England must have energy saving features such as better fabric insulation and more efficient heating and lighting under rules finally announced today in Parliament. Exasperated energy saving campaigners say the rule was due to kick in by April 2013 and possibly even earlier but conceded it was “better late […]

Commission’s energy boss tries to calm UK efficiency VAT row

The European Commission’s own energy department disagrees with EU court action against the UK’s lower rate of VAT for energy saving devices. Philip Lowe, the Commission’s Director General for Energy said any scheme which made people save energy was “very worthwhile” and suggested the court action was driven by Brussels’ tax officials. His comments at […]