A survey commissioned by the MCS Charitable Foundation, has found that most MPs (77%) approve of the idea to require all new builds to incorporate small-scale renewables, like solar PV and heat pumps from as early as 2022.
They also found that more than half of MPs believe that green energy retrofits should be placed at the top of the governments priorities.
Whilst 46% of MPs supported exempting all domestic renewables and energy efficiency measures from VAT for the next ten years to promote uptake.
Less than half of MPs surveyed believe that the government is providing enough support to bring renewable energy technologies to more homes.
David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs at MCS, said: "If the government is serious about meeting emissions reduction targets, the decarbonisation of our current and future homes must urgently move up the political agenda, backed by robust legislation. Following COP26, home decarbonisation should be a top government priority. Banning all fossil fuel heating from new homes by December 2023 and investing in a green heating future can cause a ripple effect. It’s good for the economy and the environment."
A government spokesperson commented: "Decarbonising homes is a top priority for this government and we have a comprehensive action plan in place to drive down emissions. Our Heat and Buildings Strategy sets out the clear package of measures we are taking to transition to low carbon heating, including our new £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme and support to kickstart the heat pump manufacturing industry in the UK."
"We are also investing £1.3 billion this year alone to support people to install energy efficiency measures in their homes and have already awarded £6.9 million in government funding for the training of tradespeople delivering green home energy improvements. These measures will enable us to future-proof the way we heat our homes while creating green jobs and helping protect consumers from the volatility of fossil fuel prices.”
