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EST welcomes 'One Stop Energy Efficiency Shops'
8th December 2004
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) today welcomed the additional £20 million funding from Defra, including £10 million over three years to support a new concept in consumer energy advice - the Sustainable Energy Network.
The Sustainable Energy Network is a new initiative to create a one stop shop for consumers for sustainable energy, covering both the home and transport.
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of EST said; “This additional funding is a vital link in promoting sustainable energy towards the Government’s target of a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. We are taking a whole life approach through the Sustainable Energy Network and will be working closely with Defra to make this new network an intimate part of Defra’s five year strategy including, potentially, Environment Direct.
“With 28% of CO2 emissions caused by home energy use and 26% by road transport, people can make a real difference in their every day lives - cutting energy consumption - cutting CO2 emissions - and cutting their energy bills.”
The Sustainable Energy Network is a natural evolution of EST’s existing Energy Efficiency Advice Centres, which advise around a million people a year on energy efficiency in the home.
The Sustainable Energy Network will have a broader remit, to include not only the current advice on home energy saving measures, but also transport information on cleaner cars and alternative travel options, what grants are available and what renewable technology can be installed to power homes. EST will also work with like minded organisations to include waste recycling and water efficiency, amongst other efficiency measures as appropriate.
The Sustainable Energy Network will launch in early April next year with three pilot centres across the United Kingdom in East Anglia, Northern Ireland and the North East.
In addition to the £10 million funding for the Sustainable Energy Network, Defra has also provided an additional £10 million funding for EST’s Community Energy programme, which provides grants to encourage community heating projects for homes, schools, hospitals and offices.
