ABSTRACT
The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted by the United Kingdom in December 1997, the Government agreeing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The UK has taken on a legally binding target to reduce its emissions to 12.5% below 1990 levels over the period 2008-2012. The Government also has a separate domestic goal of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2010, publishing its climate change programme in November 2000. This document described the proposed strategy to deliver on the Kyoto and national commitments, including seeking higher building energy performance standards through amendment of the Building Regulations. This takes account of the fact that almost half of the total carbon dioxide emission levels in the UK are associated with the energy used in buildings, 60% of which relates to energy used in the home.
