ACS

MPs are investigating how best to lower the carbon footprint of Britain's offices, shops and factories.

There are currently no targets to cap emissions from commercial buildings, which account for about 20% of the UK's CO2 output.

The all-party inquiry follows concerns that not enough is being done to tackle emissions from the sector. It will call for submissions from stakeholders on reforms to reduce the energy use of existing buildings and report to the Government in the summer.

"Debate has so far largely focused on the carbon footprint of people's homes," said Labour MP Clive Betts, chairman of the All Party Urban Development Group which is undertaking the inquiry.

Because commercial buildings are so varied - encompassing everything from small shops to office buildings and factories - it is particularly difficult to tackle CO2 emissions from the sector.

The group's spokesman said the inquiry would call for the Government to provide "clear guidance, fiscal incentives and a unified system of assessment and reporting".

He also said the group did not want to comment on specific measures until the completion of their report.

From October all commercial buildings in England and Wales will be required to have an assessment of their building's energy efficiency and display the resulting Energy Performance Certificate in a prominent place.

There are no caps or penalties associated with the rating, but it is hoped the public recognition of companies with greener premises will encourage firms to improve their emissions.