UK-GBC: Raise emissions targets for public buildings and homes Halving emissions from the built environment within ten years would create jobs, help secure energy supplies and reduce fuel poverty, according to a green construction body.

The United Kingdom Green Building Council (UK-GBC) called for the 50 percent reduction in its manifesto launched last week, which was presented to key environmental policymakers.

Among the concerns highlighted in the document was a lack of definition for the term 'zero-carbon'. The government's aim to make all homes 'zero-carbon' by 2016 needs to be extended to the construction of public buildings, claimed the group.

The manifesto praised government initiatives such as the recently launched green loan plan 'Pay As You Save' but said that there needed to be further action to make retro-fitting and other energy-saving measures an attractive proposition for homeowners.

Furthermore, those in the new jobs likely to be created from a national drive on green construction need to be trained and accredited under a government scheme, according to UK-GBC.

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