An ambitious programme of insulating buildings and producing more energy directly from buildings could save the UK around £12 billion every year until 2050.

That’s the conclusion of a new report published by industry group Sustainable Energy Association (SEA), which represents a number of energy efficiency and technology providers.

The figure would be equivalent to “savings of £189 a year, every year, for every UK citizen”, which was calculated using the Government’s own energy calculator.

The SEA is calling on all major political parties to adopt a renewed approach to energy policy, focusing on “an energy in buildings strategy”, the use of smart technologies in buildings as well as a major infrastructure-based energy refurbishment of the nation’s buildings.

Chief Executive Dave Sowden said: “We have known for a long time that energy measures in buildings are cheaper in the long-run. Now the Government’s own tools and assumptions yield the same answer.

“There is a compelling case here to create a much stronger focus in energy policies on buildings. This will reduce waste, enhance energy security, reduce imported fossil fuels, lower people’s fuel bills and make a huge contribution to the UK economy. It is win/win all round.”