Government's cheap energy efficiency targets described as ambitious - 02/03/2010

The government's plan to help seven million homes reduce their gas and electricity consumption from energy suppliers has been described as ambitious.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, Labour needs a "roadmap" is order to achieve its plans to make seven million homes more energy efficient by 2020.

Under the plans, around 13,500 homes a week should receive improvements to make homes more efficient with their cheap energy so the government can meet its targets.

However, the trust estimates that around six million homes still need cavity wall insulation and half of all properties need more loft insulation.

In order to help the government meet its targets, the trust has launched its new Sustainable Refurbishment guide, which is aimed at helping homes improve their energy performance.

Phillip Sellwood, chief executive of the trust, said: "Our refurbishment guidance is an important contribution to developing that roadmap - showing how different types of homes can reach the 80 per cent carbon reduction target."

He added that the government's 2016 zero carbon homes policy sets out clear guidelines about how homes can reduce their carbon footprint.

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