20/09/2023
The EEIG is disappointed that the Government feels that given the current economic climate, it is necessary to shift the Government’s plans on reaching Net Zero by 2050. Net Zero has the opportunity to be a catalyst that allows us to lead the next industrial revolution to a clean economy and unlock substantial growth opportunities. In fact, It is crucial for our businesses to have clarity, certainty and consistency as they make longer-term investment decisions in the UK, helping to underpin the Government’s growth objective.
The EEIG believes that the Government should maintain its ambition to put in place a plan which places people and British business at its centre, reduces energy costs for good and secures our energy supply. A plan we can be proud of and which lays out how we will get our 30 million buildings to Net Zero by 2050, and not shy away from it.
As a broad-based coalition of over 25 businesses, industry groups, NGOs and charities, the EEIG appreciates that given the current economic climate, UK citizens may feel strongly that they will struggle to meet stringent regulations in a cost of living crisis, and may not want to have to phase out their gas boilers or buy a new car, and understandably the Government must listen to the public.
Sarah Kostense-Winterton, EEIG Chairman comments, “Energy efficiency of our homes and buildings is one no nonsense area where the path to Net Zero, and the needs of the public are in harmony and achievable. Remaining cognisant to affordability, future-proofing our homes, and ensuring that UK homes and buildings are warm, comfortable, and energy efficient with lower energy bills is something that the public can see and feel.”
Political headwinds and an energy crisis this time last year have shown that we must take steps to reduce our energy demand and reliance on foreign oil and gas, not just for Net Zero transition, but to insulate the public from dramatic energy bill increases. We cannot afford another energy crisis, and we can’t afford inaction on Net Zero transition, but we can afford improving our homes. There is no need for trade-offs.
EEIG looks forward to continuing to work closely with the UK Government to move towards Net Zero in a way that will not severely impact consumers and the public: delivering real and tangible benefits for UK households, and making real progress towards Net Zero and the benefits that it will unlock.
<ENDS>
About the Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group (EEIG):
The EEIG is a broad-based coalition of over 25 industry groups, NGOs, charities and businesses asking for rapid improvement in energy efficiency policy for UK homes and buildings. Energy efficiency at scale is the litmus test for a credible pathway to net zero and ending fuel poverty.
While this brief represents the views of the EEIG as a whole, it does not necessarily represent the individual views of its members.
For further information please contact:
