Refurbishing old buildings reduces emissions – but outdated tax rates make it expensive
Existing buildings already embody significant COâ‚‚ emissions, which makes it all the more important to upgrade and refurbish – rather than demolish and rebuild – wherever possible. But as it stands, the UK’s tax system actually puts a significant financial penalty on refurbishment, while incentivising new construction. It’s time for that to change, says Walter Menteth…