The Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) has unveiled a new “Race to Zero” policy document at a Parliamentary Reception attended by 140 guests.
With the theme Building a Sustainable Britain, the reception also showcased some of the latest products developed by BMF’s supplier members, including Fernox, JCB, Marsh Industries, Midland Lead, Rockwool, Velux, Weinerberger, Baxi, Worcester Bosch, Grundfos Pumps, Knauf Insulation, Mannok, Polypipe Civils and PPG.
Speaking at the event earlier this week, MPs Christopher Pincher and Paul Scully 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.
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.”