I think the proposal from WWF, the green lobby group, to make zero-carbon development a condition of public funding is spot on (10 November, page 15). The government keeps stating that Britain is at the forefront of reducing global warming, but in reality we are still only talking about it. Even if people don’t believe in global warming, at least poorer sections of society wouldn’t suffer from fuel poverty if they lived in energy-efficient houses.

It would also stimulate the private sector and the public to take action and bring down the cost of renewables and energy saving measures. This need not be expensive, since costs need to be assessed over the whole life of the building, including maintenance.

Tim Fenn, managing director, Oakwood Builders and Joinery, Oxfordshire

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