Local MP helps win binding target for energy efficiency

2.12.04

A huge coalition of campaign groups is thanking Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, for playing a crucial part in the success of the campaign to obtain a binding Government target to improve the energy efficiency of English homes to 20% by 2010.

After a lengthy campaign, the Government bowed to sustained pressure and accepted the target that they and previous Governments had been resisting for many years. As a result, the Government have effectively reinstated their earlier aim, as stated in the 2003 Energy White Paper, of saving 5 million tonnes of carbon each year from household energy efficiency by 2010. Earlier this year this had been slashed to 4.2 million tonnes, a full 16% reduction. The new energy efficiency target is now a statutory duty, which any future Government is legally required to introduce policies to achieve.

Andrew Warren, Chair of the Sustainable Energy Partnership, said:

"This is a considerable triumph for both the energy efficiency industry and the environment. We are very pleased that Edward Davey MP has played a part in persuading the Government of the need for a change of heart by signing Parliamentary Motions in favour of a change and by voting in the House of Commons."

Commenting, Edward Davey said:

"The Government's initial decision to reduce target carbon savings from 5 million tonnes to 4.2 million was extremely discouraging. Carbon dioxide emissions pose a significant threat to the environment, and high energy costs have forced one in six households to live in a state of fuel poverty. Higher energy efficiency targets will create significant improvements to both of these problems, and I find it disheartening that the Government opposed such progress."

"I am thrilled that we have been able to force the Government to pass a higher standard, for increasing energy efficiency targets is essential if we are to make progress towards protecting both the environment and our most vulnerable citizens. By reducing emissions levels and conserving energy, energy efficiency targets can protect the environment, cut heating costs, and decrease cold-related deaths. "

"These targets represent progress towards the Liberal Democrat goal of providing safe and affordable energy sources to all people with minimal environmental impact, and I fully support them."