The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) unveiled its new “Race to Zero” policy document at a Parliamentary Reception attended by 140 guests including members of both houses of parliament as well as builders’ merchants and building materials manufacturers.
With the theme Building a Sustainable Britain, the reception showcased some of the latest products developed by BMF’s supplier members that will help create the low carbon homes the country needs if we are to achieve the government’s net zero aim by 2050.
The BMF event was held on the same day the government announced its Heat and Buildings Strategy which outlined plans to drive down the cost of clean energy, including £5,000 grants for those replacing gas boilers with heat pumps to help decarbonise their homes, as well as a range of other measures.
Speaking at the event, both Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP, Secretary of State for Housing and Paul Scully MP, Minister for Small Business, Consumers & Labour Markets acknowledged the vital role the building materials industry will play in the development and delivery of heat pumps, insulation and other new technologies required to drive down carbon emissions, expressing the government’s commitment to supporting the building supply chain to build more skills and more homes.
BMF CEO, John Newcomb, said: “It is clear that we cannot achieve net zero without addressing the building environment, and our homes in particular. Our homes use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. The vast majority are heated by gas, and many are not well insulated. We welcome today’s announcement to support the start of the decarbonisation of our homes with a three-year grant programme to help homes suited to the technology to transition to heat pumps, but with 28 million existing homes to upgrade sustained longer-term support will be required.”
The BMF extended its thanks to UK Construction Week, headline sponsor for this Parliamentary Reception, and also to those exhibiting at the event: Fernox, JCB, Marsh Industries, Midland Lead, Rockwool, Velux, Weinerberger, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Grundfos Pumps, Knauf Insulation, Mannok, Polypipe Civils and PPG.
