ECO+ is a welcome step, but no silver bullet

UKGBC responds to the Government’s announcement of a new £1 billion ECO+ energy efficiency support scheme for lower income households in poorly insulated homes and an £18 million public information campaign to help households save energy whilst keeping warm.
Science-based targets or net zero?

UKGBC’s Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Louise Hutchins said:  

‘The Government’s new ECO+ energy efficiency scheme and public information campaign are to be welcomed. UKGBC has long called for more support and information for lower income households struggling in the most poorly insulated homes, particularly as bills go through the roof this winter.  

But these measures alone are no silver bullet. £1 billion over three years won’t be enough to reach all those in need. To seriously tackle climate emissions and avoid the stop-start of government policies that have led to boom and bust for industry in the last decade, the Government’s announcement must be matched with long term policies to encourage the majority of households to retrofit their homes. The Government’s recently announced Energy Efficiency Taskforce is a chance to draw on the expertise of industry to put those policies in place.’

This announcement builds on the Chancellor’s political commitment in his Autumn Statement that energy saving would now be ‘just as important’ as energy independence. More information about the announcement from the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy can be accessed here.

UKGBC’s analysis clearly shows that nearly all the UK’s 29 million homes will need to be made more energy efficient to deliver on our legally binding net zero targets. 

Please find EEIG’s briefing on ECO Plus available here.

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