The decision by the Government to delay the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates for public and commercial buildings by six months is a disappointing step in helping Britain reduce its carbon emissions, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs, said: "The six months postponement raises the question about whether the Government is really serious about achieving its target to cut Britain’s carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050. To look at its recent action one could only conclude that they are not. This latest u-turn will only add to the mounting confusion surrounding the Government's environmental policies, only last week the Government back-tracked on its target for renewable energy."

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Mr Berry continued: "Why was this information released via the departmental website and not via a public announcement? The issue of the environment is too important for Government inaction, 'politicking' and confusion."

Information on the Department for Communities and Local Government website states that only buildings with a floor area of more than 10,000 m2 will require the Energy Performance Certificate in April 2008, when originally it should have been for all buildings with 500m2 or above.

The website also states that Energy Performance Certificates will be required for all buildings over 2,500 m2 on 1 July 2008 but buildings of 10,000 m2 or below will not require the certificates until next October.

(JM)