Energy UK, the Local Government Association, the Federation of Master Builders and the National Housing Federation have called on the UK government to boost energy efficiency measures across British homes.
Improving energy efficiency measures within British homes could have a major impact amid the energy crisis. Seeking these measures could better insulate buildings so they are able to retain heat more effectively.
This will have an impact on the amount of energy that is required for heating purposes. Reducing the amount of heating needed in homes will also support the energy transition and reduce carbon emissions until electrification or alternative technologies are the primary source of heating.
To this end, five primary recommendations have been outlined by the organisations for consideration by the government.
One of these proposals emphasises working in partnership with industry, local government and wider stakeholders by developing a long-term plan for energy efficiency. This includes bringing forward the £6 billion that was committed to energy efficiency in the Autumn Statement.
The £6 million set to be invested in energy efficiency from 2025 will be allocated to several various uses. However, no concrete plans had been established leading to scrutiny from industry.
“While it is good to hear the chancellor reaffirm our climate goals, we need to see the action that backs up the stated intent,” said Nigel Pocklington, CEO, Good Energy, in response to the Autumn Statement.
“Investment in energy efficiency is crucial today. It requires a mass insulation campaign today, not a taskforce to look at extra spending in three years’ time. And while the Truss government got a lot wrong, unblocking onshore wind would have rapidly unleashed huge quantities of cheap, clean power. Why roll back on that to prioritise slow nuclear?
“If we invest in renewables and reduce energy demand, we can cut costs and cut carbon, for homeowners, for businesses and for the Treasury, all at the same time.”
Another of these recommendations called for the establishment of new regulations and fiscal incentives to unlock additional demand. Another recommendation proposes the speeding up on the review of the methodology that sits behind the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) framework.
The organisations stated that there is a need for the government to create the conditions to enable local areas to develop the long-term skilled and qualified workforce needed to deliver retrofit and energy saving measures.
The UK must finally continue to work in partnership with industry-led efforts, the social housing sector and local governments to support a long-term cross-departmental approach to policy making in this area.
“Energy UK has strongly welcomed the crucial support that government has brought forward for households so far this winter, including financial assistance through the Energy Price Guarantee, and advice via the Help for Households and It All Adds Up campaigns,” said Dhara Vyas, deputy chief executive at Energy UK.
“It is essential that we continue this momentum by building a long-term market for energy efficiency measures that will encourage and support households to invest in insulation. Better regulation and fiscal incentives, together with support for key enablers like skills, will unlock a market-led approach to energy efficiency and bring customers’ bills down significantly in the long-term.”
