A new Future Homes Standard is to be introduced from 2025, aimed at meeting “world-leading energy efficiency standards”, the Conservatives have announced.
Kicking off its annual conference, the party has unveiled it net-zero package, which also includes up to £1 billion investment in green growth in the automotive industry, including manufacturing of batteries, electric motors, drives, power electronics and hydrogen fuel cells.
The Tories have also pledged an initial £220 million towards the development of a fusion plant by 2040. The first stage of the investment will cover the initial five-year development phase of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).
The policies announced include the creation of more green spaces throughout the UK, with further funding for ‘pocket parks’ and a commitment to create a Great Northumberland Forest, with up to one million trees to be planted between 2020 and 2024.
Interim regulations for the Future Homes Standard are to be introduced from 2020.
The Conservative announcements come on the back of a successful motion at last week’s Labour conference to bring the drive towards net-zero emissions forward to 2030.
Lawrence Slade, Energy UK’s chief executive, said that boosting electric vehicles and improving housing standards were positive steps forward but stressed: “Net-zero is a game-changer and with just 120 quarters until 2050 much more urgency is required if we are to seriously address what is one of the most critical issues of our age.
He added: “We need to see action that will really shift the dial – including a government-funded national energy efficiency programme and measures to tackle complex areas such as the decarbonisation of heat, which will be critical to achieving our climate targets.
“The power sector has been world-leading in reducing emissions and we have an opportunity to continue the UK’s global leadership but we urgently need the policy framework to allow the required innovation and investment to flow.
“We are keen to lead further progress and look forward to hearing more from the government on the net-zero agenda and working in partnership to deliver benefits for the environment, customers and the wider UK economy.”
Andrea Leadsom, the business, energy and industrial strategy secretary said: “Addressing climate change is a top priority for the Conservative Party, and today’s announcements will not only help us reach our Net Zero 2050 target, but will benefit communities and households – and improve wildlife and wellbeing – while doing so.”
Theresa Villiers, the environment secretary said: “The planting of one million trees will be fundamental in our commitment to be the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than we found it. They will enhance our landscape, improve our quality of life and protect the climate for future generations”
Robert Jenrick, housing secretary said: “The Future Homes Standard will change the way we build and heat our homes forever and create opportunities for businesses to innovate our way to a better future.”