Engineers Welcome Loan Plan For Energy Efficiency Measures
28th July, 2010
THE Institution of Civil Engineers has welcomed a government plan to make loans available so that homeowners can pay for improvements to their properties to make them more energy efficient.
The scheme could see households receive funding to pay for insulation, solar panels and other green technology. The strategy is aimed at cutting emissions from the UK’s homes by 29 per cent by 2020.
Barry Griffiths, Regional Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West, said the move was a step in the right direction.
He said: “It is essential that everyone looks at the potential of harnessing renewable energy. The fact that the Government is now taking financial steps to help ordinary people do their bit can only be a good thing.
“Unfortunately, there is another stumbling block to be overcome – delays in the planning process. Gaining planning permission is a long-winded process and the UK is already lagging far behind developing these renewable energies.”
His comments come just days after ICE South West held a major conference in Bristol to highlight the importance of further developing a low-carbon economy in the UK.
Engineering a Low Carbon Future saw experts from the engineering and energy sectors come together to debate how the region can roll out low carbon infrastructure.
Among the speakers was David Fletcher of Energy Action Devon, who spoke to delegates about the need for low-carbon homes.
Professor AbuBakr Bahaj, of the University of Southampton, explained that photovoltaics – cells used to convert sunlight into electricity – should be incorporated more into building design.
The conference also heard about funding and support available for renewable energy techniques, including grants of up to £500,000.
There were also presentations from speakers on nuclear, wind and tidal energy.
