Plumb Center host debate into energy efficiency measures

Plumbers merchant Plumb Center brought together policy makers and industry experts to debate on how to encourage the UK public to invest in energy efficiency measures.
The discussion focused on consumer behaviour, with regard to energy efficiency, and whether it can be influenced to encourage a far wider take up. The key role heating engineers and installers play in educating and encouraging homeowners to invest in energy efficiency measures was also a hot topic of discussion.

The debate also looked at whether it is adva¬nces in technology that drive changes in behaviour when it comes to being more energy efficient or whether increasing fuel prices are forcing people to use their energy more wisely.

Simon Allan, renewables director, Plumb Center, who chaired the round table said: “We recognise that there is significant potential to save large amounts of energy by changing the way we all use energy in the home. Yet, despite many positive initiatives not enough has been done to encourage consumers to change their habits and consider making energy efficient improvements to their homes.

“In hosting this round table, we have provided a forum for the government, parliamentarians and industry to come together to discuss and inform the process and look at alternative ways to approach the problem.”

The round table event, hosted by Chris White MP at the House of Commons, was attended by a number of politicians including shadow climate change minister, Luciana Berger MP, Laura Sandys MP, private parliamentary secretary to Greg Barker MP and Peter Aldous MP who is a member of the environmental audit select committee.

Other attendees included Lord Whitty, Tim Pollard (Plumb Center), Claire Fox (Institute of Ideas), David Frise (Building and Engineering Assoc.), Peter Farrand and Patrick Allcorn (DECC), Dr Luca Panzone (University of Manchester), Nicolette Fox (University of Sussex) and Christina Stejskalova (Behavioural Insights Team, Cabinet Office).