Energy firms called on for insulation scheme

July 1st 2010

The leading energy firms in the UK have been called upon to take part in a home insulation initiative.

As an extension of the established Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme, energy suppliers will now be required to help insulate thousands of low-income households.

Climate change minister Gregory Barker said there will be "no short cuts" for the major six energy companies in the UK, announcing that carbon reduction levels will need to be met by insulation as opposed to the reliance on energy-saving lightbulbs.

Mr Barker said insulation is essential to cutting carbon emissions, echoing recent comments made by US President Barack Obama, who called insulation "sexy stuff" for its environmental and money-saving properties.

"Because for too long energy efficiency has been the poor relation of British energy policy," Mr Barker said.

"Too many politicians have talked the talk but failed to deliver. Energy efficiency has too often been relegated to the fluffy, optional extra end of the policy agenda."

Speaking at a Commons debate, Mr Barker cited David Cameron's recent pledge to make the coalition the "greenest government ever", a promise he was determined to deliver.