In a statement, the organisations – including the Energy Saving Trust, the Association for the Conservation of Energy, and the UK Green Building Council (UK GBC) – called on the government to introduce the standard “without delay”, giving landlords as much time as possible to improve their properties.
In the Energy Act, the government legislated for a minimum standard to be set by April 2018 at the latest, and the organisations are urging the government to set this standard sooner.
Green MP Caroline Lucas said there needs to be “a robust and enforceable minimum standard”, which should be set at the energy performance certificate band E.
John Alker, director of policy and communications at UK GBC, added: “A minimum energy efficiency standard is not only crucial for upgrading the UK’s poorly performing private rented homes, but would also give a much needed boost to the flagging Green Deal.”
Speaking in the House of Commons today, climate change minister Greg Barker restated the government’s commitment to set a minimum standard.
He said: “This is a coalition commitment, which we are proud of.
“We will make sure that it is implemented properly and we will consult appropriately.”