LIBERAL DEMOCRATS LAUNCH CLIMATE CHANGE STARTS AT HOME PROPOSALS

10.19.32am GMT Mon 16th Apr 2007

Millions of tonnes of carbon emissions could be saved and fuel bills cut under new Liberal Democrat proposals to make Britain's homes more energy efficient.

Housing is crucial to combating climate change, as it is responsible for over a quarter of our carbon emissions. The proposals could save 31 millions of tonnes of CO2, more carbon than is produced annually by all the cars on Britain's roads. Currently, British homes waste an average of £385 a year in energy compared to Sweden.

The Climate Change Starts at Home proposals would:

· Set tough new GreenHouse standards for new homes which would cut fuel bills and soon pay for themselves.

· Create a system of 'energy mortgages' which would encourage energy efficiency improvements on existing houses. Three quarters of the homes we will use in 2050 have already been built so a major programme of refurbishment is needed. Under the current rate of Government schemes, it would take 125 years to refurbish existing homes.

· Introduce a 'cap and trade' scheme for energy companies - they will maximise their profits by helping their customers become more energy efficient.

Speaking while visiting a visit a house built in 1870 which is undergoing improvements to make it more energy efficient, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said:

"Tackling climate change requires us to take action now - the Stern Review made it clear that we simply cannot afford to wait.

"People are paying high fuel bills because their homes too easily lose energy. Our proposals will help people save the environment and cut bills.

"Creating a national scheme of 'energy mortgages' will allow people to use the money saved from having an energy efficient home to invest in the necessary improvements."

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"Millions of people struggle to pay their fuel bills each winter, yet are unable to afford improvements on their homes to make them more energy efficient.

"With an 'energy mortgage', proven improvements will deliver real energy cuts, that will pay for themselves and save money in the long term, will be accessible to everyone.

"Building new homes to tough, rigorously enforced standards, would significantly cut fuel bills and effectively pay for itself, making homes more affordable for first time buyers."