The Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) has recently unveiled its new “Race to Zero” policy document at a parliamentary reception, where it was viewed by members of parliament, builders’ merchants and building materials manufacturers.
The reception showcased some of the latest products developed by BMF members that will help create the low carbon homes the country needs in order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Speaking at the event, both Christopher Pincher, Secretary of State for Housing, and Paul Scully, Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, acknowledged the vital role the building materials industry will play in the move to drive down carbon emissions, and expressed the government’s commitment to supporting the building supply chain to build more skills and more homes.
John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF, said: “It is clear that we cannot achieve net zero without addressing the building environment, and our homes in particular. Our homes use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions.
“The vast majority are heated by gas, and many are not well insulated. We welcome today’s announcement to support the start of the decarbonisation of our homes with a three-year grant programme to help homes suited to the technology to transition to heat pumps, but with 28 million existing homes to upgrade, sustained longer-term support will be required.”
>> To read more about how the industry is involved in the road to net zero, click here.
