CPA: Private sector investment key to delivering heat and energy saving strategy

Monday, 16 February 2009 12:00 AM

The Construction Products Association has welcomed the launch of the government's Heat and Energy Saving Strategy consultation, but is warning that unless there are clear mechanisms for delivering the targets that are being proposed, manufacturers and suppliers may not have the confidence to make the scale of investment needed.

Speaking after the launch, Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association said; 'This kind of ambitious long term programme is what the Association has been pressing the government to commit to for some time, and we are particularly encouraged that they have made clear that it can only be delivered in partnership with industry.

'For this partnership to succeed, however, industry needs confidence that governments over the next decades will continue to make the necessary finance available and maintain the right kind of delivery mechanisms irrespective of party politics to ensure that these targets are met. In the past too many government programmes affecting our industry have set out with ambitious targets, but failed on the delivery. The refurbishment of 7 million homes to the standard expected by 2020, and all buildings by 2030, requires substantial public and private sector investment, and companies need to be confident that the programme can be delivered before embarking on such a commitment.

'As Ministers have made clear, this is a 'revolution' of enormous scale and we estimate it is likely to cost between £300 and £500 billion. But there is no alternative if we are to deliver the 80% reduction in carbon emissions for the UK by 2050.'

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Construction Products Association represents the UK's manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. The Association acts as the voice of the construction products sector, representing the industry-wide view of its members. The sector has an annual turnover of £40 billion and accounts for 40% of total construction output.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Michael Ankers Chief Executive
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
Mobile : 07887 897 581
E-mail : michael.ankers@constructionproducts.org.uk

John Tebbit Deputy Chief Executive and Industry Affairs Director
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
E-mail: john.tebbit@constructionproducts.org.uk

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