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Report 21 June 2016

Energy efficiency: recalibrating the debate

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Please note that this page contains information and links most relevant for people living in England.

Energy Saving Trust has written this paper to provide an overview of what we believe needs to happen next on the UK home energy efficiency agenda. It discusses UK Government policies as they apply in England.

There is a large body of evidence on the available policy options: we now need to stop discussing options and start implementing. We believe that we need a UK energy transition – akin to Germany’s “energiewende” – that sets out a clear vision and narrative to transform the UK energy system: the economic and social benefits of investing in our housing stock would place home energy efficiency at the heart of this. A plan for UK energy transition would include home energy efficiency as a national infrastructure priority across the United Kingdom.

The vote to leave the EU creates much uncertainty about the future of UK energy and environmental policy, but direction on sustainable energy policy cannot wait until after the EU renegotiation process is complete. Work now on a clear UK energy transition – linked to our world-leading national Climate Change Act and Carbon Budget system – will provide the framework for our energy and environment policy to replace EU directives and targets.

Last updated: 19 November 2020