SEA report into policy barriers and solutions in government policy
The SEA has issued a report calling for the government to take a more technology-agnostic approach to its heat in buildings policy.
The wide-ranging analysis looks at the UK government’s current approach to decarbonising heating and improving energy efficiency in buildings. The report raises concerns that current policies risk failing to deliver the technologies that achieve the best overall outcomes in a truly holistic way.
The SEA is calling for a long-term, coordinated national strategy focusing on outcomes rather than specific technologies. It wants to see independent consumer advice, skills training programmes to install a variety of solutions, and reforms to things like energy performance certificates to properly account for innovative options.
Among other recommendations, the report stresses the need for policy cost adjustments, streamlined certification of new technologies, and ensuring energy taxes don’t favour any single approach.
The report brings together views from across the collaboration to analyse the state of policy, and how it can be made more technology agnostic.
Alan Brown MP, PRASEG Chair commented:
“I welcome the report and the recommendations. It is critical that there is long-term, joined-up approach to retrofit policies, backed by funding and incentives to deliver low carbon technologies and energy efficiency measures. Access to free independent advice for consumers is critical too, and the UK Government should consider this and the example of Energy Advice Scotland. It is also clear that policy costs cannot be continually added to electricity bills, and a more progressive funding model provided. I welcome the calls for the decoupling of gas and electricity prices”
Dave Sowden, interim Chief Executive of the SEA commented:
“As part of our successful ongoing collaboration, this defining report provides a rich picture of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for transitioning heat and buildings. The wide range of recommendations made to the Government should help them to refine their policies and communications to deliver a holistic, technology-agnostic and outcomes-based approach. We hope that the Government and sector continue to engage in this work to help create living and working spaces fit for future generations.”
| Solutions & Recommendations in the report |
|
Aspirational & Longer Term |
| The Government must create a long-term, joined-up approach to retrofit policies—a National Retrofit Strategy |
| The Government should focus on an outcomes-based approach to policies for decarbonising buildings |
| The Government must develop devolution arrangements that deliver place-based retrofit in a technology-agnostic way |
| The Government must set up independent, holistic and joined-up consumer advice—a National Education Campaign for technology-agnostic retrofit |
| The Government should drive the redevelopment of routes into built environment jobs and build cross-sectoral and holistic skills that deliver technology-agnostic policies |
|
Practicable & Shorter Term |
| The Government must urgently reform SAP and EPCs, whist developing routes to advanced building assessments and passports, to recognise the most appropriate technologies for the best outcomes |
| The Government should target retrofit policies at trigger points and other key stages in a building’s lifecycle to install the best technologies at appropriate times |
| The Government must ensure lists of eligible measures for specific government funding schemes are broadened to recognise the most appropriate solutions for the types of buildings and scheme outcomes |
| The Government must widen its communications on low-carbon technologies and retrofit to include the diverse range of appropriate solutions available |
| The Government must urgently rebalance social and environmental policy costs levied on electricity and decouple electricity and gas prices to incentivise the transition to low-carbon technologies |
| The Government should improve consumer protection policies and ensure a Just Transition across all appropriate low-carbon technologies |
| The Government must introduce a transparent, robust, and streamlined innovation methodology for businesses to get their products certified and ready for government schemes within the built environment |
| The Government should ensure taxation is technology agnostic, whilst stimulating domestic manufacturing to create the right outcomes for businesses and the country |
