Speaking at resource05, the low carbon technology showcase and conference in Watford, Mr Vincent highlighted that buildings account for nearly half of the UK's total carbon emissions. Buildings therefore represent a huge untapped potential for energy, carbon and running cost savings of over 50 percent over the next 25 years.

David Vincent said: "The Carbon Trust is currently developing a number of initiatives that will assist organisations in reducing the emissions made by their buildings. Clearly regulation such as the EU Energy Performance in Buildings Directive is an important driver in this area; however our work with leading companies has shown that the market will also have a crucial role to play.

"From the design and construction of new-builds, to the refurbishment and maintenance of existing structures, buildings represent a real opportunity to help achieve the Government's target of reducing carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2050."

The Carbon Trust currently supports the Carbon Vision Buildings Programme, a partnership with a number of universities to develop understanding in how to reduce carbon emissions from buildings. In addition, two new buildings initiatives from the Carbon Trust are due to be launched later this year. The Low Carbon Buildings Acceleration Programme aims to accelerate the take-up of cost-effective, low carbon initiatives during non-residential building refurbishment, while the Design & Construction Advice Service, will help developers design and build low carbon buildings.

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