The Government's plans to retrofit seven million homes by 2015 to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs is a programme that the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has long called for and is very welcome.

It is absolutely crucial that it works fast enough and achieves the deep emission cuts from homes needed in order to ensure that the UK is on track to meets its statutory target of reducing CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050.

CIH first highlighted the paramount importance of tackling emissions from existing housing stock in 2006 when it called for the Government's Energy Review to shift its emphasis away from a sole focus on new build to address the problems of poorly insulated homes already built.

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In 2007 and 2008 CIH continued to campaign for a national programme of environmental improvements to existing housing stock, not only to reduce carbon emissions, but to cut energy costs, tackle fuel poverty and improve people's living conditions and overall wellbeing.

CIH Chief Executive Sarah Webb said: "I am delighted that the Government has heeded the message from the sector, that improving the homes already standing can make the biggest contribution to tackling the country's carbon emissions. As part of the Existing Homes Alliance, CIH is proud to have made such a strong case for government intervention. By working together to tackle carbon emissions from existing housing we will not only leave an important legacy for the nation, but a national programme could boost jobs and kick start a recovery in the construction sector."

(CD/JM)