The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to improving energy efficiency in housing, with the announcement that it will consult on proposals for private and social rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C or equivalent by 2030.
This step represents a significant move towards creating healthier living conditions and addressing the root causes of fuel poverty in the UK. For years, CIEH has championed the need for urgent action to improve energy efficiency, calling on the Government in its manifesto to ensure that all homes, across all sectors, meet the standard of EPC Band C by 2030.
Improving energy efficiency is not only critical for tackling the climate crisis but also for protecting public health. Homes with poor energy efficiency often face issues such as cold temperatures, dampness, and mould – all of which contribute to serious health risks for occupants. Without proper insulation and energy upgrades, residents are left vulnerable to respiratory diseases and other conditions exacerbated by cold environments.
Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said:
“This announcement is welcome but needs to be accompanied by the provision of resources for local government to enforce the relevant legislation effectively.
Poor energy inefficiency in housing contributes to cold homes and damp and mould growth. Cold homes exacerbate illness, contribute to NHS costs and are closely related to excess winter deaths.
Analysis of English Housing Survey data by the Building Research Establishment found that excessively cold homes in England could be costing the NHS £540 million a year in preventable costs.
Cold homes are one of the leading public health threats of our times. Environmental health professionals are in the front line of protecting the public from this and other hazards caused by poor housing and thereby reducing ill health and saving lives.”
