Building inspectors the key to reducing household emmissions

The Government is being accused of failing to enforce its sustainable buildings code.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST), which provides free advice to homeowners wanting to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, believes local authorities currently have insufficient funding to ensure the code is followed.

The UK is committed to EU directives that aim to achieve energy savings of 20% by 2020 and the EST’s chief executive, Philip Sellwood, suggest that while ministers are keen to promote new energy saving policies, existing building regulations are not being enforced.

Speaking to BBC News, Mr Sellwood comments that “building regulations in the UK are among some of the toughest in Europe, but they are extremely poorly enforced as far as energy efficiency goes”.

According to the Trust, up to 30% of properties under construction fall below existing building regulations on housing developments in some areas.

Failings include simple items such as poorly fitted windows and doors, which could be picked up by building inspectors if their work was properly funded.

Government figures suggest that over 20% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions emanate from its homes.

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