Energy Efficiency Taskforce disbanded after six months
Contents |
[edit] Background
Establishment of the Energy Efficiency Taskforce was announced in the Autumn 2022 statement, by the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) to support a step change in the reduction of energy demand through accelerated delivery of energy efficiency across the economy.
[edit] Members
The taskforce included Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Lord Martin Callanan and NatWest (NWG.L) boss Alison Rose as co-chairs, to reduce the country's energy consumption and cut household bills. The taskforce's membership also included Sir John Armitt; head of Barratt Developments, David Thomas; and leading experts from the University of Salford, the UK Green Building Council and National Energy Action.
[edit] Objectives
The objectives of the taskforce were to advise and work with ministers on delivery of the government’s ambition to reduce total UK energy demand by 15% from 2021 levels by 2030, across domestic and commercial buildings and industrial processes. The taskforce had particular focus on private sector and the stimulation of investment. Its priority areas of focus included:
- Stimulating the supply chain to address and increase investment, reduce skills gaps, accelerate pathways to accreditation, improve product manufacturing capability, and increase the wider availability of materials required to deliver high quality upgrades at pace
- Identifying barriers and opportunities in existing market and regulatory frameworks to delivering the demand reduction ambition in a way that works for business, consumers and society in order to inform policy decisions
- Increasing consumer, public sector, and business engagement in the delivery of existing and new initiatives on energy efficiency and clean heat. This may include addressing the lack of consumer take-up or behavioural change and high attrition rates
- Working with the private sector to increase the availability of green finance linked to installation standards and quality
- Tackling different installation challenges and embedding the need for standards across differently funded markets (considering recent tragedies highlighting the risks in domestic settings)
- Working with DESNZ to gather, monitor and respond to data that shows progress towards the 15% demand reduction target
[edit] Disbanding
The first meeting of the taskforce took place in March 2023. In September of 2023, the Prime Ministers announced a change in direction on net zero policies, scrapping the energy efficiency regulations for landlords, and as a result the taskforce was disbanded. No replacement had as yet been announced.
[edit] Notes
- See also the article Industry responds to Prime Ministers Net Zero policy announcement.
- Further information on the withdrawn Energy Efficiency Taskforce can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/energy-efficiency-taskforce#membership
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building heating systems.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: changes to grant levels.
- CIOB holds net zero event with industry experts and UK Government.
- Domestic heat pumps and the electricity supply system.
- Energy performance certificate EPC.
- Enhanced Capital Allowances.
- Fabric first will safeguard heat decarbonisation.
- Heat pump.
- Industry responds to Prime Ministers Net Zero policy announcement.
- Low carbon in the construction industry.
- Microgeneration certification scheme.
- Net zero strategy: build back greener.
- Performance gap in low energy housing.
- Renewable heat incentive RHI.
- Thermal comfort in buildings.
- Types of heat pump.
Featured articles and news
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.