Fred Mackintosh says promote the green economy by helping home owners become more energy efficient

10.00.32pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Apr 2010

Following the Scottish Government's new building standards announcement which is set to make new homes built in Scotland more energy efficient Fred Mackintosh, prospective MP for Edinburgh South has called for more support for existing homeowners wishing to invest in energy efficient and micro generative measures.

His call is supported by Edinburgh South MSP Mike Pringle who has lodged a question at the Scottish Parliament, challenging the Scottish Government on its record in supporting the energy efficiency of existing buildings.

Fred Mackintosh said, "The Liberal Democrats have been calling for these improved building standards for a long time and we welcome this development. However this should only be the first step: we must tackle the energy inefficiency of existing buildings too.

"The Liberal Democrats want to unlock the potential of local and community energy generation, giving people control over the energy they use. To pay for investment we will axe the Government's unwanted and ineffective ID card scheme, the £100 billion like for like replacement of Trident and reform Labour's Climate Change Levy into a carbon tax that would apply to primary fuels as they enter the economy. Once our energy efficiency measures have become effective in tackling fuel poverty we would use revenues to cut other taxes.

"By investing now in the green technologies of the future such as those currently under development at the Napier University Institute for Sustainable Construction we will not only save homeowners money but create skilled jobs across Scotland."

Edinburgh South Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle said, "The Scottish Liberal Democrats would introduce an eco cash back scheme giving homeowners the money to install energy efficiency or micro-generation measures.

"Our micro-generation scheme would mean that homeowners could sell energy back to the National Grid at a profit. It is innovative thinking like this that will promote a green economy, improve energy efficiency and reduce bills for Scottish households."