Analysis of government statistics for BBC News confirmed that despite economic growth, people in the UK are using 10% less energy than five years ago even with the increase in sales and use of large TV’s, smartphones, computers and tablets. It would appear that government policy and technology have broken the trend that sees an increase in energy use with an increase in wealth.
One of the reasons for this decline is that household appliances must comply with EU standards, allowing people to carry out the same tasks but using less energy. For example, according to the AMDEA trade association, a modern A-rated model fridge-freezer saves 73% of energy compared to an A-rated model 20 years ago – leading to a saving of £100 off a household energy bill. The EU have also controversially banned old-style lamps which means the average bulb consumes 29% less electricity now than in 2008 with LED light bulbs looking to improve this even further. The EU are now also looking at taking inefficient vacuum cleaners off the market and replacing them with more energy efficient models – a controversial decision supported by energy experts but opposed by critics who believe that the EU should not intervene with these matters. The reason for this rise in standards – policies to improve energy security and tackle climate change.
Between 2004 and 2013, household bills would have increased by £165, according to a report from the UK Committee on Climate Change, had energy savings not been made. Improvements in boiler efficiency and pipe insulation have meant gas use for heat and hot water has declined by more than a quarter since 2004. This has also been helped by households becoming more aware of energy costs in the recession and turning off radiators in unused rooms. There has also been an increase in the number of homes with loft and cavity wall insulation – from 39% in 2004 to 67% in 2013 – which has also reduced the demand for energy.
However, it is not just households that have seen a reduction in energy use. Governments have been encouraging businesses to save energy using ‘sticks and carrots’. As a result consumption is down, even when taking into account the state of the economy and the annual temperature which increases the demand for heating. After adjusting for temperature, the digest of UK energy statistics finds that the consumption of all energy in 2013 was the lowest since 1985. It also found that the energy intensity (the amount of energy for every unit of wealth created) fell between 1970 and 2013 in the industrial sector by 70% and 55% in the service sector.
Although many people credit the reduction in energy use to government policy and believe that well designed and targeted regulation has significantly affected energy consumption, others believe that the decrease, particularly for households, has been achieved with little input from the government. Therefore, as government combat climate change by increasing the proportion of clean energy being used, a proper strategy for demand reduction and further improvements in efficiency could further reduce the impact on bills, lead to wide economic benefits and improved health.
Syntegra Consulting is a leading Energy Consulting Company in the UK – for further information regarding low carbon buildings, energy efficiency and renewable energy investments, please telephone +44(0)118 402 8520 or e-mail: mail@syntegra-epc.co.uk.
