New energy research shows ‘housing is zooming up political agenda’
25 June 2009
The possibility of 70,000 jobs being created by a home
insulation programme to cut CO2 emissions shows the need for more
energy efficient homes is ‘zooming up the political agenda’.
Unite, the largest union in the country, welcomed the
independent research released by Friends of the Earth (FoE)
today (Thursday, 25 June) which demonstrated these jobs in England
and Wales could be created, if local councils slashed
climate-changing emissions by insulating homes and businesses and
fitting green energy to buildings.
Gail Cartmail, Unite Assistant General Secretary for the Public
Sector said: ‘The research is very much welcomed by Unite and shows
that the impetus for energy efficient homes, businesses and public
buildings is zooming up the political agenda.’
‘The research is ticking a number of key boxes – concern
for the environment; the need for practical action to make homes
and other buildings energy efficient; tackling fuel poverty; and
the generation of some 70,000 badly needed skilled jobs. A similar
scheme in Germany saved 200,000 construction jobs.’
The FoE announcement comes a week after Unite launched its
five-point action plan Meeting housing need: Building Britain out
of recession to kick-start the social housing building
programme for the 4.5million people on waiting lists.
A key Unite demand was for investment in a ‘retro-fit’ programme
for existing homes to improve energy efficiency i.e. the seven
million homes that require solid wall insulation that could
generate a further 25,000 jobs and greatly contribute to the
government’s environmental targets.
-ends-
NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS:
Unite is uniquely placed to comment on the current housing
situation, having as it does members in housing associations, local
government, and the construction and finance sectors.
For further information, please contact: Gail
Cartmail 07768 931 305, Shaun Noble, Communications Officer
020 7420 8951 or 07768 693 940
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