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Existing homes need to go green, says expert
08/06/09
The creation of green houses should not focus entirely on new building developments, as existing building stock needs to be "radically altered" in order to improve its energy efficiency and green credentials, an expert has said. Lucy Pedler, director of the Green Register, an independent organisation that promotes sustainable building practices within the construction industry, said the number of green houses is increasing at a "slow but steady" pace.
The primary reasons behind the rise are an increased awareness of environmental issues, the financial benefits of increased energy efficiency and the realisation that we have a responsibility to "hand over the planet in some sort of healthy state to our children", she added.
However, while the government recently announced a £100 million package to help local authorities develop more environmentally-friendly new build, Ms. Pedler said existing homes should be the focus of greener design - and work will have to proceed at a "much faster" pace if housing is to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
According to NextGen Research, the market for green building materials will be worth $571 billion (£354.9 billion) by 2013.
