Why should we reduce the energy consumption in our homes?

Traditionally, the drivers to reduce the energy consumption of existing homes have been:

• Reduced energy consumption which equates to reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduced energy consumption leading to improved energy efficiency and improved comfort
• Reduced energy consumption and therefore reduced costs of energy

All are valid reasons, and reduced energy consumption will make a significant contribution towards meeting UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets up to 2050.

Renewable energy development in the UK is increasing each year. The share of electricity generated by renewable sources was 44.6% in Q2 2020, this is up 9% on the Q2 in 2019 (1). This is clearly good news for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with using fossil fuels to generate electricity.

As the share of renewable energy increases further up to a theoretical 100%, GHG emissions associated with electricity generation will cease to be a concern. To realise this ambition, Boris Johnson pledged at the Conservative Party Conference on 5th October 2020, that offshore wind farms will generate enough electricity to power every home in the UK within a decade (2). It is very likely that 100% renewable energy production will be achieved before every energy inefficient dwelling has benefitted from a comprehensive retrofit, and when electricity production produces zero (or near zero) carbon emissions and the overriding imperative to cut GHG’s has disappeared, what will the drivers to reduce energy consumption of existing homes be:

• Reduced energy consumption = improved energy efficiency and comfort
• Reduced energy consumption = reduced costs of energy

It will be interesting to see if there is the same drive and investment persists when GHG reduction has ceased to be driver.

Prime Meridian can assist homeowners assess the energy efficiency of their homes and advise on suitable improvements, if you would like more information on this please contact us today.

(1) National Statistics, Energy Trends: UK renewables, UK Renewable electricity capacity and generation, April to June 2020, BEIS, 8.10.2020.
(2) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54421489, 6.10.2020.