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
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.