Refurbishing old buildings reduces emissions – but outdated tax rates make it expensive
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
The construction of new buildings in the UK emits 48 megatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) each year – that’s equal to the net emissions of the entire country of Scotland. The materials, transportation and construction processes for new buildings are all carbon intensive. Existing buildings already embody significant CO₂ emissions, which makes it all the more important to upgrade and refurbish – rather than demolish and rebuild – wherever possible. But as it stands, the UK’s tax system actually puts a significant financial penalty on refurbishment, while incentivising new construction – but there's a very easy fix to reverse this.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 1 |
| Journal | The Conversation |
| Publisher | The Conversation |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Oct 2019 |
Related information
Outputs
VAT reform would promote CO2 emissions reductions, more sustainable building & cost nothing – so why the delay: a Project Compass response to the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency objectives defined in ARCHITECTS DECLARE
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
Sustainable retrofit of existing buildings. Stage Zero. Lesson 4. Fiscal incentives and funding opportunities
Research output: Non-textual form › Artefact
Sustainable retrofit of Existing Buildings. Stage Zero. Lesson 5. Procurement for retrofitting
Research output: Non-textual form › Artefact
Sustainability in practice: VAT reform would promote sustainable building and cost nothing- so why the delay?
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Incentivising design quality and sustainability: VAT is a powerful tool and changing the rates can incentivise the sustainability agenda
Research output: Book/Report › Other report
Activities
NET_LEARNING: New Energy to Rebuild
Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
Media
VAT Reforms
Press/Media: Expert Comment
Impacts
Policy and Regulatory Reform of Construction Procurement and embedding reforms in contemporary practice
Impact: Public Policy Impacts, Cultural & Creative Impacts, Economic & Commercial Impacts
ID: 15993662
