Tuesday 15 July 2014

“Limited progress” in commercial energy efficiency finds climate watchdog

There has been “limited progress” on encouraging businesses to plump for energy efficiency, the government watchdog warns today.

A report from Committee on Climate Change rating how well the UK is doing to meet its carbon budgets (i.e. how much we must cut emissions by) finds future budgets will not all be met.

The advisors suggest “further strengthening” policies for residential and commercial energy efficiency, as well as electrification of heat and transport and power sector decarbonisation.

The burden and cost of rules could be trimmed, suggests the report, saying “there is scope to rationalise the number of policy instruments, leading to lower administrative costs as well as better delivery.”

It suggests “one instrument for each of information provision, financial incentives and regulation.”

The report reckons current policies may only lower emissions by 21-23% from 2013 to 2025, rather than the required 31% chop.

The analysis projects emissions in 2025 could be up to 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) per year above the level of the fourth budget (2023-27).

Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council suggests it is “ironic” not enough has been done on carbon reduction in buildings: “[It’s] not only the most cost effective way of tackling climate change but it also protects both households and businesses from soaring energy bills”.

He adds a zero carbon homes policy and minimum energy performance standards in commercial buildings should be pushed through by the Government.