As sun returns to the UK, Energys Group scans the horizon for shining examples in energy efficiency
This month, a compelling new study, published by Carbon Brief, shows energy efficiency contributed 25% of UK economic growth since 1971.
The paper argues that energy has a much larger role in economic growth than conventional wisdom supposes. Using a new model, the authors claim its features offer a greater ability to study the impact of energy efficiency gains on economic growth in the UK.
The findings hold important lessons for policymakers. They suggest that improving energy efficiency has benefits far beyond climate policy, given that the delivery of increased energy services can improve aspects of society, such as livelihoods and wellbeing.
The paper suggests that not only is an ever increasing emphasis on energy efficiency key, but that ongoing research to determine its best effects, and how best to leverage it within domestic and global economies is required.
New Centrica whitepaper highlights business and energy efficiency
Meanwhile, powerful new Centrica research from over 1,000 energy decision makers, finds that one in three businesses are exploring how energy can lead to higher growth, greater efficiencies and reduced business risk.
The Centrica whitepaper, The Energy Opportunity, reveals energy efficient organisations are two and a half times more likely to see how an energy strategy contributes to their business being efficient and well run.
Further, energy efficient companies are twice as likely to recognise the role a solid energy strategy plays in contributing to financial performance. Such companies are also more likely than less energy efficient companies to see their energy provider as a partner, rather than just a supplier.
The whitepaper also pinpoints four opportunities for businesses to rethink energy management: use data to unlock insights, improve energy efficiency through innovative tech, reduce reliance on the grid through self generation and strengthen brand reputation through sustainable energy management.
‘Continuous technical innovation, as well as increasing adoption and government subsidies, has significantly reduced the costs of implementing more energy efficient strategies,’ concludes the paper.
“We commend Centrica’s findings, and stand ready to help UK firms embed energy efficiency within their core business strategy,” comments Kevin Cox, Managing Director at Energys Group.
Record temperatures; is it climate change?
As the UK gets over the (pleasant) shock of its hottest ever February temperatures, analysts are trying to establish whether climate change is to blame.
At one point, the temperature hit 20.3C in Ceredigion, west Wales: the highest February temperature ever recorded in Britain and the first time the thermometer had breached 20C in winter, wrote The Guardian.
Bob Ward, of the centre for climate change economics and policy at the London School of Economics, said while warmer temperatures are often welcomed, they can be deadly.
“Over the last five years we also had two record wet winters during which there was severe flooding. This is a sign of the fundamental and profound way that Britain’s climate is changing.”
Last November, the BBC wrote that the last four years had been the world’s hottest. “The warming caused by these greenhouse gas emissions is already clear at the global scale,” said Prof Tim Osborn from the University of East Anglia, who provided some of the data used in the WMO analysis.
“The knock-on effects for our regional climates and for severe weather events are beginning to emerge from the background variability of our weather.”
“Energys isn’t an expert on meteorology,” comments Kevin Cox, Managing Director of Energys Group. “But we do follow these trends with interest.
“We are certain that energy efficiency is an essential step in decarbonising the UK, which we know to be positive for both environment and climate change. We must maintain our progress in this area and keep to a strict low carbon regime in coming years.”
