Energy Efficiency (Hansard, 22 April 1999)

§ Mr. Meale

Energy efficiency in buildings forms an essential part of the Government's strategy for meeting its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. Under the Kyoto Protocol the UK agreed to reduce its emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the period 2008–12. In our manifesto we also set ourselves a domestic goal of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.

Some initial assessments of the possible energy savings to be achieved by improving the energy efficiency of buildings were published in October 1998 in the Government's climate change consultation paper. The paper set out a number of options on how we might meet our climate change targets. For the domestic sector, we estimated that possible savings of up to 6.5 million tonnes of carbon per year (MtC/Y) by 2010 could be achieved by improving building standards. We also estimated that improvements to public sector buildings could deliver 1.1 MtC/y. The potential contribution of commercial and industrial buildings was estimated as part of the "business" sector and not separately identified in the consultation document. However, we estimated that it could be of the order of 5 MtC/y.

These carbon savings correspond to a reduction of 15 to 20 per cent. on the estimated carbon emissions for 2010 under "business as usual", that is, DTI's central estimate as published in Energy Paper 65.

Space heating and lighting across all building sectors currently account for 32 per cent. of total UK delivered energy consumption.

The DETR already funds a number of programmes and initiatives designed to improve energy efficiency, and increase the use of energy efficiency measures, in both new and existing buildings. These include the Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme, the UK's primary knowledge-based energy efficiency information transfer programme, designed to assist energy users and professionals in industry, commerce, the public and housing sectors and in business transport to improve their energy efficiency. Best Practice also supports research and development to help bring forward tomorrow's energy efficiency measures. The programme includes site specific and project specific consultancy advice on improving the energy efficiency of buildings.

The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) provides energy efficiency improvement grants for householders receiving income-related benefit, disability allowance or over 60 years of age.

The Energy Saving Trust continues to develop and implement a range of innovative projects aimed at promoting efficient use of energy in domestic and small business markets and supports Energy Efficiency Advice Centres and the "Energy Efficiency" campaign to promote energy efficiency in the domestic sector.

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In addition, the Building Regulations are currently under review to see what maximum contribution they can make to achieving the Government's climate change targets whilst observing proportionality, maintaining acceptable design flexibility and avoiding unacceptable technical risks. The Government have announced their intention to consult on proposals for amendments later this year and the consultation documents will include assessments of the impact on greenhouse gas emissions if these proposals were to be adopted.

The Government are currently considering how to develop the substantial potential of these programmes and what further approaches could be undertaken as part of the development of a new UK Climate Change programme.