South West needs warmer homes

6.01.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th Apr 2005

Better insulation in local homes could cut bills and help save the planet says a South West Euro-MP.

Graham Watson, the South West Lib Dem MEP, wants the Government to make energy-saving its top priority in the battle against global warming. He says a campaign is needed to ensure that homes in Britain match the best insulation standards in Europe.

Figures released earlier this month revealed that, despite a commitment to achieve a 20% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 2010, emission levels in the UK are actually growing. Private households recorded the largest increase. More electricity has been generated using imported coal, replacing that formerly mined in Britain.

Euro-MP Graham Watson claims better insulation of walls and roofs could cut in half the amount of energy used in buildings, which account for 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions.

He said:

"Although many homes now have cavity wall and loft insulation it is usually not enough. A staggering amount of heat simply goes through the roof because the thickness of the insulation is inadequate.

"There's a lot still to be done. Taking simple steps to prevent excessive energy waste, including using low-energy light bulbs and modern boilers, can cut carbon dioxide emissions and heating bills while creating jobs at the same time. It's a win-win solution."

From January next year an EU law will set minimum requirements for energy

use in large new buildings. But the rules will not apply to domestic properties and the MEP says that including these in the scheme could double the reduction in emissions.

Note to editors

Information on grants for insulation can be found on the Energy Savings Trust's website: http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/gid/