Best energy strategy: just use less

Of course, in lieu of actually reducing carbon emissions, we can try and make do with “energy efficiency”, though the term hails from a time when saving energy was an optional exercise, designed mainly to cut bills.

Since then, climate change has hove into view and things have become rather more pressing.

Improving energy efficiency may well reduce carbon emissions, but it should not be stated as the primary goal.

It does not show the way to sustainability if energy use is rising.

It also gives comfort to those who suggest that “doing the same things but with [incremental] improvements” is enough.

Reducing absolute energy demand by the end user may have far more impact than, for example, improving supply chain efficiency.

This puts “low to no carbon” installation and even everyday products – notably in existing building stock, where the battle will be won or lost – far higher up the carbon reduction agenda.

Paul Reeve, head of environment, Electrical Contractors’ Association