Extend the need for DECs to reduce energy bills in the public sector

As previously reported the Clean Growth Strategy has been the catalyst for a  flurry of consultation documents and "calls for evidence" that refer to energy certificates. 

In the most recent, titled "Leading By Example - Cutting energy bills and carbon emissions in the public and higher education sectors" the government report that public and higher education sectors could save up to £860 million a year, on the current £2 billion annual spend. These savings would help ease pressure on wider public finance.

In its consultation response Elmhurst has made two major points;

• Elmhurst believes that if Government are going to deliver the title of the document then they truly need to "lead by example" and be within the scope of the consultation.
• Government actually has an excellent tool available already in the occupancy rating that is provided with a Display Energy Certificate. Elmhurst will be arguing that by extending the need for DECs to central government, public and higher education buildings, as well as schools, you will cost effectively
• stimulate public interest in energy efficiency,
• create a benchmarking tool that allows for comparisons between similar building types,
• provide recommendations for improvement that local management can implement, and
• provide a public demonstration of improvement in cost and carbon 

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The original call for evidence, which closes tonight (7th) is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/651224/BEIS-Consultation-Document-Public_Sector-CFE-FINAL.pdf

Our full response is available here.

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Article Published: 7th December 2017