GBRC

The Energy Bill has finished its passage through the House of Commons today. It is still inadequate. The Bill, which now goes back to the Lords, will not ensure that the Green Deal, the Government’s flagship energy efficiency policy, is taken up.

Just before today's Report Stage of the Energy Bill, it is a good time to look at where we are in the progress towards the Green Deal launching in the Autumn of next year.

Undeterred by overcast and showery skies, I joined the GBR expert panel at Start@Kew and I have to say, I really enjoyed the day!

Start is an initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales which aims to reach out to as many people as possible with the message that sustainability is something that everyone can be part of and - like every great journey - can 'start' with a single step.

When filling out an application form recently I felt somewhat discombobulated when it came to the 'occupation' entry. Property developer or environmental campaigner? Environmental campaigner or property developer? They don't at first glance seem to marry particularly well. But they do, thankfully. Absolutely and utterly.

Aside from wanting to carry out a low energy refurbishment for environmental reasons, we also wanted the benefits of living in a comfortable and healthy house with low heating bills.

The Energy Bill has been delayed. Ministers will now have the opportunity to correct the inadequacies with the Green Deal that will cause the UK to fail to meet its emissions targets under the Climate Change Act.