
Sustainable energy: including energy efficiency, combined heat and power (CHP) and fuel poverty.
Energy - gas and electricity - used in the home is responsible for 25% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas produced when electricity is generated or gas is burned, is a major contributor to climate change ("global warming"). Improved energy efficiency is therefore a key element of the UK Climate Change Programme, which sets out the full range of activity envisaged.
Wasting less energy saves money (significant improvements in energy efficiency can usually be achieved for low capital outlay and with a short payback period), creates jobs and helps make industry more competitive. Energy efficiency measures also improve the quality of housing, helping bring warmer, healthier homes to old and vulnerable people living in fuel poverty