Making existing homes more energy efficient must be a priority, according to government think tank Foresight.
In order to meet the target of reducing carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, the government must create incentives and support for householders to make their homes more energy efficient, the think tank has claimed.
Government chief scientific advisor and Foresight programme director professor John Beddington claimed that energy used to power buildings was responsible for more than half of the UK's carbon emissions.
The report notes that while building regulations are getting more stringent – in 2016 all new homes will have to meet zero-carbon standards – the majority of the housing stock in 2050 has already been built.
Professor Beddington said: "Homes built in the future will be more carbon neutral, however the vast majority of buildings pre-date our awareness of emissions and climate change - these are where quick-wins can be achieved.
"Bringing older housing stock's energy efficiency up to standard should be a priority - providing the right incentives and support is offered to encourage homeowners, business, housing authorities and local government to change their thinking."
E.ON recommends households take various steps to use energy more efficiently, which will result in lower energy bills while cutting the home's carbon dioxide emissions.
Suggestions range from installing
insulation and a combination boiler, to turning off all appliances at the wall when not in use.
