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
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.