Lord Bourne: Energy efficiency benefits far too huge to be ignored

The benefits of energy efficiency are “far too huge to be ignored”. That’s according to Energy Minister Lord Bourne who said the UK’s record on energy efficiency ensures the nation is […]

The benefits of energy efficiency are “far too huge to be ignored”.

That’s according to Energy Minister Lord Bourne who said the UK’s record on energy efficiency ensures the nation is “well placed to compete in the years ahead”.

He added the automotive sector has reported a 55% improvement in energy use per vehicle since 1995.

That has helped cut emissions by 40% from the sector – saving nearly one million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) a year.

He went on to say energy efficiency improvements have also helped the pulp and paper industry cut CO2 emissions by more than 50% since 1990 – with no decrease in production.

Lord Bourne added: “Marks and Spencer has reported it has improved the energy efficiency of its stores by more than a third in the past eight years.

“British Telecom has also reported a 44% reduction in operating emissions and a 15% reduction in supply chain emissions, since 2011; having a clear emissions reduction plan has helped them reduce their operating costs by 14%.”

He said smaller organisations are benefiting too. The Chinese Contemporary Arts Centre in Manchester is saving more than £4,000 and 17 tonnes of CO2 a year as a result of energy efficiency measures.

Lord Bourne was speaking at an event organisd by Smart Energy GB, the national campaign for the smart meter rollout tasked with helping people understand the technology and its benefits.

He recently said the UK is looking for three main things from COP21.

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