Social investing begins at home?

Social investing could be an issue closer to home than some people think, as one expert warns existing buildings must be overhauled if the UK is to meet its carbon reduction targets.

Ant Wilson, director of sustainability at technical and management services provider AECOM, advises "we have got to get into the existing stock", noting housing is particularly problematic in terms of energy efficiency.

This form of social investing - while not as conventional as placing assets in renewable technology - should nevertheless contribute towards the solution to one of the largest problems facing the planet.

Individuals with private wealth may be particularly well suited to engage in this form of socially-responsible investment, as the cost of measures such as insulation and solar panels may be viewed as prohibitive by those of reduced personal means.

The Energy Services and Technology Association held a 'Make sense of the energy debate' on Tuesday (November 16th), which included speakers such as Northwest Regional Development Agency and Siemens, illustrating the inter-sectoral importance of the subject.ADNFCR-2318-ID-800243444-ADNFCR