On the 15th July 2009 the Government published its energy white paper... the previous day TV presenter Kevin McCloud, spokesperson for the Grand Designs Great British Refurb Campaign, had built his own model home, outside the Houses of Parliament, to show MPs what can be done to insulate existing properties. It's estimated that by retrofitting our current housing stock, over 26 million homes (accounting for around 27% of the country's man-made CO2), nine million tonnes of CO2 could be cut, equivalent to the average output of over 1.5 million homes a year.

On the 16th the campaign handed in an 8,000 signature petition to 10 Downing Street, calling on the Government to help householders to play their part. Energy efficiency is the best way to minimise the costs of a low carbon future and it needs to act now if it wants us to reduce our carbon output by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Given that the majority of these homes will still be standing, it's a hopelessly unrealistic target, unless we can improve their eco-credentials.

For more information on the campaign and how you can help check out their website.