It was one of the stranger battlegrounds of the Brexit debate: the controversy over the EU’s plans to save energy by banning high-powered toasters and kettles. But now the Committee on Climate Change has poured cold water on Brexiteers’ hopes that leaving the EU would see Britain carry on using power-guzzling appliances with abandon. In a report on the implications of Brexit, the Government’s official climate advisers warned that retaining weaker energy efficiency standards for consumer goods in the UK would jeopardise emissions-reduction plans and be bad for consumers and manufacturers alike. In order to hit the UK’s own climate change targets, it said “some policy previously set at EU level should be preserved and strengthened in future”, including “product and efficiency standards” on household appliances and vehicles.
Telegraph 12th Oct 2016 read more »
Professor Turner is director and Dr Riddoch is senior knowledge exchange fellow in the Centre for Energy Policy at the University of Strathclyde. NICOLA Sturgeon has announced a stimulus package to support the Scottish economy following the EU referendum result, including a welcome £20 million investment to improve the energy efficiency of the country’s buildings. The inclusion of energy efficiency in the Scottish Government’s stimulus plan reflects a new perspective. Economic thinking around energy efficiency is changing. As the wider impacts are explored, multiple potential benefits emerge, from job creation to reduced pressure on the NHS. Our research highlights the benefits of the lasting economic stimulus triggered by such investments. Insulating, upgrading and renovating buildings creates work and jobs during the upgrade process. By putting money into building projects, this investment stimulates new work in the construction sector. The new thinking does not stop there. There is mounting evidence of links between warm dry homes and mental and physical health. A well refurbished, energy efficient house keeps people more healthy meaning the NHS will also benefit from reduced pressure on resources. There are several organisations working to promote a strong energy efficiency policy that advocate the new energy efficiency thinking for Scottish policy makers. The Existing Homes Alliance (EXHA) and Energy Action Scotland realise that there are many reasons to improve all inefficient homes. Our research highlights the benefits of the lasting economic stimulus triggered by improving energy efficiency. EXHA. calls for all homes to be brought up to at least an energy performance certificate rating of C by 2025, an ambition it says would eradicate fuel poverty and achieve Scotland’s climate targets.
Herald 13th October 2016 http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/14798226.Making_buildings_energy_efficient_will_bring_so_many_added_benefits/