Howard Chapman, Buildingtalk Editor, at the NHIC Awards, talking with Nick Raynsford MP and Lester Corney from Acumen
I was a guest at the National Home Improvement Council [NHIC] 2014 Annual Awards presented on 13th November by the NHIC President, The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, held at the Gladstone Library in London
Many years ago, I was introduced to the NHIC by my very good friend, Andrew Leech who was the Executive Director until he died suddenly last year. One of the original and genuine eco-warriors, Andrew was passionate about the practical changes that were needed to sustain our planet, especially the role that housing plays in providing vital carbon emission reductions.
He believed that new housing sustainability regulations would have a great impact and Im sure he would have been disappointed to see the UK Government tearing up green targets and losing its eco-ambition.
However, Andrew also believed that the biggest opportunities for carbon reduction will come from the retrofitting and renovation of the 26 million UK existing homes.
Our nation has the oldest housing stock in Europe with a significant portion already over 100 years.
To meet UK carbon reduction target of 80% by 2050 almost every building in the country will need a low energy makeover, which means one building has to be improved every minute.
NHIC President, The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP speaking at the Awards
This is multi billion pound opportunity for the building industry – to develop new products and refurbishment solutions that will also help us significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Through its President, The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP and its many other influential contacts, the NHIC continues to work closely with the Department of Energy andamp; Climate Change (DECC) and other government departments, plus local authorities, housing associations, private householders and landlords as well as product manufacturers and service providers.
NHIC Awards scheme has played a key role in attracting entries from across the spectrum of housing modernisation projects that include energy efficiency, renewable technologies, safety and design.
Congratulations to all the winners – full details of awards via the link below.
NHIC
Roofing House
31 Worship Street
London
EC2A 2DY
Tel: 020 7448 3853
www.nhic.org.uk
laurenomand@nhic.org.uk
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