Ministers must adopt several new energy efficiency measures to help unlock savings of £1.3bn a year for UK businesses, according to a new report from think tank Policy Exchange. The study calls for a new approach to encourage investment in business energy efficiency. Specifically, the report recommends that businesses rates should be linked with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to incentivise landlords. Meanwhile, a new Energy Efficiency Delivery Unit (EEDU) could help to bridge the gap between viable projects and available capital, the report claims. Policy Exchange suggests the unit should mirror the Heat Network Delivery Unit, which offers expertise, certification and finance for both public and private projects. “Improving energy efficiency is amongst the easiest and cheapest ways to decarbonise our energy system,” Policy Exchange research fellow and report author Joshua Burke said. “Businesses and public sector organisations spend the equivalent of nearly 5% of GDP (£22bn) on energy every year but too many organisations still aren’t investing enough in energy efficiency. It needs to be seen as a major strategic investment which is both good for the environment and good for profitability.
Edie 25th Sept 2017 read more »
