WWF today welcomes positive headlines in the Conservative's Green Paper on Energy Security 'Rebuilding Security'. As well as reiterating their promise to offer every household access to a "Green Deal" of up to £6,500 worth of energy efficiency improverments, there is a recognition that a higher financial package will be needed for hard-to-treat homes. Zoe Leader, Sustainable Homes Policy Officer at WWF-UK says:

"It is encouraging that the Conservatives are recognising the big wins that can be gained from retrofitting our existing homes - both in terms of carbon reduction and new jobs. As always the details behind these headlines will be important, but we welcome plans to give householders an independent assesment that would identify the best opportunities for slashing CO2 emissions from each property, and in particular, the explicit acknowledgement of the need to retrofit the older, draughtier homes in the UK that require more extensive measures than loft and wall insulation. Addressing homes in this fashion provides the perfect platform for us to show how a business case can be made for positive climate action "

"Today's Green Paper from the Conservatives also advocates an area based approach, whereby a framework will be established for improving the energy efficiency of entire streets and estates. Such an approach is already being put into practice by social housing providers, and could really provide a boost for the green economy by providing extra jobs and demand for green technologies."

WWF recently published a report showing that a nationwide retrofit of our existing stock could provide over 100,000 new jobs per year.

For further information please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, 07900 670282, dchapman@wwf.org.uk