Energy Efficiency (Hansard, 15 May 1989)

§ 1. Mr. Win Griffiths
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his Department's most up-to-day estimate of the energy savings that would accrue if the latest standards of energy efficiency in buildings were implemented.

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Michael Spicer)
The Building Research Establishment has estimated that the proposals for amending the requirement in the building regulations for the conservation of fuel and power would improve the energy efficiency of new buildings by about 20 per cent. compared with existing regulations.

§ Mr. Griffiths
Is the Minister aware that if the Government were to back a scheme of energy conservation along the lines either of the Eurisol report or that of the Milton Keynes' energy cost effects, we could cut CO² emissions by between 39 million and 43 million tonnes a year? Does he think that that would be an extremely good investment for the Government because at a stroke they would reduce those emissions and energy costs, and cut the need to build so many more power stations?

§ Mr. Spicer
The Government are in favour of energy conservation measures, but we must balance the position by accepting that, even taking account of energy conservation measures, on most estimates there will be a continuing increase in the demand for electricity. If one is interested in CO² emissions, as the hon. Gentleman is and as we are, the issue is how to get balanced fuel production which will reduce CO². That is why we are in favour of nuclear energy and why we are surprised that the Labour party is not.

§ Mr. Holt
Does my hon. Friend agree that a great deal of energy is lost through the windows of our homes? How much longer will it be before he prevails on the Secretary of State for the Environment to have double glazing as an integral part of new build houses? That is needed as much as damp courses. If double glazing were installed at the beginning, it would save all the conversions which must take place later and it would be an enormous saving of energy.

§ Mr. Spicer
I shall certainly draw my hon. Friend's remarks to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who is responsible for building regulations. Only about 1 per cent. of building stock is replaced every year, so taking the 20 per cent. figure that I mentioned in my original answer, the potential savings are 1 per cent. of 20 per cent. The matter must be seen in context.

§ Mr. Hardy
Does the Minister admit that the Government's record on energy efficiency and insulation during the past decade has greatly worsened and is most unsatisfactory, particularly compared with the rest of western Europe? Does he accept that if we reach those standards we would not need to build any more nuclear power stations?

§ Mr. Spicer
Speaking from memory, we are above the European Community average for energy conservation and efficency.

§ The Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Cecil Parkinson)
Five per cent. above.

§ Mr. Spicer
My right hon. Friend says that we are 5 per cent. above the EC average. If one takes CO² emissions as a proportion of electricity generated, our position has greatly improved.