Re-using empty homes could save carbon emissions of 16 million cars

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Aug 2006

Re-using empty homes could save carbon emissions of 16 million cars

Tackling the rise in the number of empty homes could help cut carbon emissions equivalent to 16 million cars, according to new research by the Liberal Democrats. Figures show that there has been a 10% rise in the number of empty homes since 1997. If more empty homes were re-used, sparing extra housing development, as much as 25 million tonnes of CO2 could be saved.

Tackling the global challenge of climate change means local solutions as well as international agreements. Identifying and dealing with empty houses can save unnecessary development and its associated environmental costs. The benefit will also be felt immediately in communities. Dealing with these empty properties will reduce the antisocial behaviour they tend to attract. Over the summer, we are encouraging people to report empty dwellings that are causing a nuisance in their area, attracting vandalism and other social nuisances.