I have recently received a number of e-mails regarding energy waste in homes.
The sustainability of buildings plays a crucial role in tackling climate change in the UK; energy efficiency and decarbonising buildings will be key to meeting our domestic commitments.
All households should be able to invest in energy efficiency improvements so I am pleased that there is a range of programmes designed to support different houses and locations. All homes are eligible for insulation measures, including solid wall insulation, through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
In addition, a package of changes incentivise energy suppliers to deliver more heating and insulation measures in non-gas fuelled homes, including oil fired boiler replacements. Over two million energy efficiency measures have been installed in over 1.6 million homes since 2013, and a further 1 million homes will be insulated by 2020.
During my time as Minister of State in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, I was pleased that the department encouraged cleaner and more cost-effective energy solutions. During my time working in the department, we supported the GROW: Offshore Wind programme and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. These worked to help small and medium sized British firms compete in the offshore wind supply chain and helped companies bring new technologies to the market place.
The Government’s broader priority for non-fuel poor households is to help create a sustainable market for energy efficiency and low carbon products, rather than relying primarily on subsidy. The Government commissioned the Each Home Counts review of quality, standards and advice in home energy efficiency and renewables, which reported in December 2016. I understand that Ministers are now working with industry on its approach to implementing the findings of that review and I will, of course, be following the outcome of this closely.
It is also worth noting that, in the last six years, energy performance for new homes has increased. The Government is carrying out a review to determine whether minimum standards should be further strengthened. It has always been clear, however, that carbon reduction needs to be achieved in the most practical and cost-effective way possible.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.