The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has told the government that it must cut domestic carbon emissions at least 80 per cent by 2050.

The target is part of a raft of measures to boost energy efficiency in the council's report to Whitehall on existing low-carbon housing. It also urges five-yearly goals.

Since July, it has worked with the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, the Sustainable Development Commission and the Technology Strategy Board to consult around 1,000 organisations on improvements. Its report proposes phasing in mandatory requirements to upgrade the energy performance of housing stock and financial measures to support existing low-carbon homes. It also seeks a review of the role and scope of existing delivery bodies and the feasibility of targeted low-carbon zones, designed to encourage improvements via district or area-based applications of a whole-house approach to refurbishment.

UKGBC chief executive Paul King said: "Spiralling fuel costs and concern about climate change now call for a revolution in attitude and approach. The strength of this report is in the sheer breadth and depth of its contributors. It should draw a line in the sand on this hugely important issue."

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