Refurbishing old buildings reduces emissions – but outdated tax rates make it expensive

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Existing buildings already embody significant CO₂ 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...

Written by

Walter Menteth

Senior Lecturer, University of Portsmouth at University of Portsmouth

Walter is a director of Walter Menteth Architects, Project Compass CIC, a senior lecturer (p/t) at Portsmouth school of Architecture, an RIBA National Councillor, chair of the trustees of the North Southwark Environment Trust, and was a member of the Cabinet Office SME Panel 2011-2015, and Chair of the RIBA Procurement Reform Group 2011-2013.

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Main image: empty apartment room renovation, before and after restoration / refurbishment

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