Al Gore questions UK Government’s commitment on green buildings

Al Gore, the Former US Vice President and renowned environmentalist, has questioned the UK Government’s commitment to tackling climate change, admitting he is “puzzled” by the recent decisions to scrap a number of pro climate policies, including those aimed at green buildings.

Speaking at a Green Alliance and CBI event on the upcoming Paris climate negotiations on Tuesday morning, Mr Gore listed policies which the Government has scrapped, with the cancellation of the zero carbon new homes and buildings policies, and the Green Deal appearing at the top of his list.

He asked: “Will the United Kingdom change? Will it provide the leadership that its friends around the world have always admired?”

Commenting on the speech, John Alker, Director of Policy and Communications at the UK Green Building Council, said: “Make no mistake, Al Gore has issued a major challenge on UK climate leadership ahead of the crunch talks in Paris and it is essential that his rallying cry is heard in Treasury.

“However, the responsibility doesn’t rest solely with Government. The voice of progressive business must also be heard, demonstrating why policy certainty is so important and how companies are making strides to drive down carbon in their own investments and operations.”