Challenge
In 2010, the Welsh Government committed to reduce emissions by 3% a year to 2020, and the total Welsh emissions by 40% by 2020. A number of policies and programmes had been put into place, by both the Welsh and UK Governments, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock to help reach these targets. WWF Cymru commissioned us to evaluate the impact of these policies and programmes and the activity required in order to achieve 2020 targets.
Insight
Our data and insight teams analysed detailed programme activity and the impact of the policy interventions. Detailed installation data was available from Energy Saving Trust’s Home Energy Efficiency Database, which contains records of all domestic energy efficiency and renewable measures installed in the UK under supplier obligations. This data was then updated with detailed modelling to establish a detailed picture of the changing energy efficiency of the Welsh housing stock.
Action
We compiled data from a wide range of sources to quantify the impact of energy efficiency activity that has taken place in the Welsh housing stock since the last detailed property survey in 2008, and calculated the emissions reduction that was achieved. The study also modelled a number of policy scenarios to 2020 and the emissions reduction potential of each.
Result
The report identified the policies that had the biggest impact on residential emissions in Wales since 2008, and identified a range of different policy scenarios to ensure the Welsh Government meets its 2020 targets. The report was widely disseminated, including to the Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales.