View from the House: Let's work out how we can reach green energy targets

Dec 15 2009 Cheryl Gillan MP For Chesham And Amersham, Buckinghamshire Advertiser

AS THE world discusses climate change, during the global summit in Copenhagen, we should think about how we reach the targets to reduce carbon emissions, rather than just how we set them.

For instance, in the UK, over a quarter of carbon emissions, 27 per cent in fact, come from the homes we live in.

It is one thing to look at building zero carbon homes, but nearly 80 per cent of the homes that will be in occupation in 2050 have already been built. We're living in them now.

There are 25 million homes which require the 'green treatment' if the UK is to meet the promise of an 80 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide by the same date of 2050.

Some of our national retail chains are already working on schemes to fund energy-efficient equipment and insulation for home owners, through a 25-year investment, which would mean immediate improvements, with a zero upfront cost and lower energy bills for the home owner. This would be particularly helpful because it would tackle the problem for those living in fuel poverty who spend more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel.

For those who want to act now, there are useful gadgets like energy monitors and even a gizmo which can switch off the power from a 13 amp plug by remote control. Perhaps an ideal Christmas gift for a 'couch potato', or to sit alongside any computers, monitors, mobile phone chargers or games machines which appear on a wishlist?