The Property Energy Professionals Association (PEPA) has expressed dismay at the complete omission of any reference to energy efficiency in the Government’s Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy Green Paper consultation.
The Association has responded to the consultation making particular reference to the section on energy and Question 16 which focuses wholly on the supply side of energy and makes no reference to demand. Andrew Parkin, PEPA Chair said ‘it is a well worn phrase, but “the cheapest unit of energy is the unit you don’t use” has resonated with successive Governments for the last 30 years, even though the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years. Investing in energy efficiency yields quick and long term results and obviates the need for constructing expensive energy generation facilities which take years to come on stream.
Investment in the energy efficiency industry can be a huge force in narrowing the long term projected gap between energy demand and supply.’ PEPA’s response to the consultation makes clear that early investment in energy efficiency measures, particularly in buildings, will help to reduce energy costs for hard pressed families and businesses much more quickly than long term investment in energy generation’ PEPA is urging the Government to rectify this obvious and serious omission from its industrial strategy.
