The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) has continuously called on the Government to deliver a long-term plan which sets a clear path to warm, sustainable homes and buildings. We therefore welcome the launch of the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy which we hope will send a clear signal to business and households that there is a long-term commitment to energy efficiency and decarbonisation and a recognition of the benefits and opportunities it provides.
Lesley Rudd, SEA Chief Executive commented,
“Industry has faced a significant period of uncertainty and this Strategy alongside the plethora of policy documents and consultations released provides some of the clarity we have been calling for.
A holistic approach to delivering clean growth is key. The challenge is not one that can be solved by a particular technology or government department; we must all work together to deliver this vision. We therefore welcome the Government re-instating the Clean Growth Inter-Ministerial Group to ensure that the Strategy is supported across all government departments. Whilst the aspirations are now signaled further detail will need to be developed and we look forward to being part of that process. The SEA believes in collaborative policy development and will be working with our members, with Government, Parliamentarians and across the industry to deliver robust and practical policy.”
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key part of the decarbonisation challenge and the SEA welcomes the publication of the energy efficiency call for evidence alongside the Clean Growth Strategy. We have been working with Government to develop a range of policy solutions for the able to pay market to ensure that the value of more efficient homes is recognised. We will continue this work over the coming months to ensure that homeowners are encouraged to improve the efficiency of their property.
Decarbonising our heating
To meet our carbon targets, we must transition to low carbon heating technologies. The commitment to phasing out the installation of high carbon fossil fuel heating in buildings off the gas grid during the 2020s is therefore welcomed. The SEA is technology agnostic and recognises that there is no silver bullet for addressing this challenge however, we must start to deploy low carbon technologies at scale. Our homes need be ready for the low carbon future that awaits them, this means building on the policy to raise boiler efficiencies that was announced today. We look forward to responding to the forthcoming call for evidence on future-proofing new homes for low carbon heat.
Building performance
We are delighted that the Government has committed to bring all fuel poor homes up to Energy Performance Band C by 2030, something the SEA has been campaigning for. We also welcome the aspiration to widen this requirement to other homes by 2035 but we would like to see a much firmer commitment to deliver this.
Sir David Amess MP commented,
“The SEA has been pushing for homes to be brought up to EPC Band C and I have been working with them to introduce a Bill to focus on doing this in the homes of the fuel poor by 2030. I am therefore delighted that the Clean Growth Strategy commits to doing just that, and I congratulate the Minister. I hope now to work with the SEA on our ambition to make all homes energy efficient”
Ron Bailey, SEA Head of Parliamentary Affairs said,
“We thank David Amess for all his efforts to end fuel poverty – a cause he has espoused for many years. We look forward to continuing to work with him on making all of our homes warm, affordable and sustainable.”