Wednesday, 22nd January: Ahead of the February’s general election, the Irish Green Building Council calls on all political parties to take stronger actions for a more sustainable built environment.
The Irish Green Building Council which represents over 160 major construction and property related businesses launched today a list of key actions that all political parties should commit to implementing in government if Ireland is to meet its climate targets.
The Council proposes that the next Government introduces a ringfenced 10-year investment plan for renovation of homes, with government facilitating low interest loans for all homeowners. The body also calls for the fi
nancial system to offer preferential loans to home buyers purchasing the greenest homes on the market. This is critical in addressing all the impacts of new homes, from energy efficiency to transport, embodied carbon, biodiversity and land use. The Green Building Council is also proposing to create emission free zones in towns and cities across Ireland. Much heavier investment in cycling, pedestrian and public transport, accompanied by restriction of access to urban centres by petrol and diesel cars are key in improving air quality and people’s health.
Pat Barry, CEO of Irish Green Building Council said: “This is the last election where Irish citizens can significantly change the current trajectory which is leading to climate catastrophe. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that we have just 10 years to radically change course. If we stand any chance of averting climate catastrophe, we must start with the built environment. It influences over 50% of all our carbon emissions when the impact of transport is considered. These actions are not only good for the planet, they would improve everyone’s quality of life”.
The 10 measures to implement in Government for a truly sustainable built environment – General Election 2020 is available here.
