Key industry bodies have pointed to a worrying and frustrating lack of new energy efficiency measures in the Government’s Energy Security Strategy.
The Prime Minister unveiled proposals to improve the UK’s energy security earlier this week and details of a £375m package of measures were then released, but the announcement has been criticised as a missed opportunity by many.
The government‘s aim is to support innovative energy technologies that will power British homes and businesses for decades to come and further strengthen the nation’s energy security.
This includes £240 million to support the production of hydrogen as a clean, low-cost energy technology, £2.5 million of funding to develop next-generation nuclear technology and a further £5 million towards research into carbon capture.
The investment will support research, development and deployment of these cutting-edge technologies and give the country the energy independence it needs, reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels. From next-generation nuclear reactors, to hydrogen for industry, power, transport and potentially heating, the government is revolutionising the way the UK gets its energy across a range of technologies.
However, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the progressive voice of over 650 organisations working together for a more sustainable built environment, has expressed dismay at the plans.
UKGBC’s Director of Communications, Policy & Places, Simon McWhirter, said the stragey was a chance to insulate the nation’s homes, protect us against future price hikes and tackle the painful effects of rising energy costs to households across the UK. “This should have been the moment to show leadership and set out a comprehensive strategy to reduce energy demand,” he continued.
“But despite the building industry standing ready to rise to the challenge, the Government has woefully missed its opportunity.”
“In the week the world’s climate scientists name energy efficiency as one of the most significant lower-cost solutions to address the climate crisis, the Prime Minister hasn’t even got a plan to stop heat leaking out of the windows, walls and roofs of the UK’s 29 million homes.”
The strategy fails to deliver for builders, with no significant measures announced to improve the UK’s 29 million energy inefficient homes which would help cut bills and lower emissions, says Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive at the FMB said: “The Energy Security Strategy completely misses the mark in tackling energy consumption in our homes.
“After the disappointment of the Heat and Buildings Strategy this was an opportunity for Government to implement a National Retrofit Strategy, focussing on improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s draughty and leaky homes. While the strategy does deliver 0% VAT on energy efficiency improvements to properties, a welcome move that the FMB has long been campaigning for, this only helps those with the money to pay in the first place.
“A broader, insulation led, retrofit strategy would have been an immediate solution to reduce energy consumption, boost the economy and importantly, help save homeowners money on their bills during a cost-of-living crisis.”
RIBA President Simon Allford acknowledged the publication of ths energy strategy signals progress and should help to boost the UK’s energy independence. “But today’s measures will not help to help to tackle energy consumption or crippling price rises,” he added.
“The Government must realise that we will not ease the burden on vulnerable households unless we improve the energy efficiency of our buildings. We urgently require a National Retrofit Strategy.”
