In a submission to the Department's of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called for a combined approach towards buildings and energy generation.

Michael Brown CIOB Deputy Chief Executive said: "With 50% of CO2 emissions being apportioned directly to the buildings we live and work in, the built environment is in the front line in the battle to cut carbon dioxide emissions. Tackling the issue at source through the production of energy is vital for the construction industry."

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The CIOB stated that a decrease in the national reliance of fossil fuels should run in tandem with improvements to the UK's building stock. This would enable the harvesting of combined beneficial results.

As part of the CIOB response it was felt that energy audits carried out by qualified professionals on a building-by-building basis (and the installation of smart meters) would enable homeowners, and businesses, to make an informed choice about the best alternatives for their building.

The CIOB believes that displaying the practical affects of any energy efficient measures will be fundamental in gaining public engagement.

(CD/JM)