Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust vision is “a world where sustainable energy is the choice for all individuals and organisations”. The EST works towards providing information and inspiring action towards sustainable energy. The UK government set up the Energy Saving Trust in 1993 with the aim of reducing UK emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 20% of the 1990 levels by 2010. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) mainly works on --

• addressing the damage caused by climate change
• cutting down carbon dioxide emissions from households consumption and road transport
• improving the air quality in cities and towns

EST Areas of Expertise

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The key areas of expertise of the EST are:

• Strategy: In the areas of energy efficiency, small-scale renewable technologies such as small scale wind and ground source heat pumps, low carbon transport, and related fields, the EST provides independent evidence-based policy analysis, covering both UK and Europe. The EST responds to consultations from the UK government including parliamentary select committees, the European Commission, regulators and other agencies and in this way the EST has influence on policy. The EST undertakes a great deal of research in order to remain well-informed to consult on important policy issues.
• Programme development and implementation: The EST develops and manages a number of programmes for the UK government. These include awareness campaigns, providing advice and support for innovative technologies and also providing grants for the same.
• Independent information, accreditation and evaluation: The EST runs independent accreditation services, such as the Energy Saving Recommended logo, which is used as a mark on energy efficient appliances. The EST also provides information and evaluation expertise to other organisations. The EST has been deeply involved in the development of the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) which is now the central policy instrument in the UK’s drive toward home energy efficiency.
• Working with consumers: The EST runs a number of programmes to increase consumer awareness and encourage the use of energy efficient technology. It enlightens consumers of the impact climate change and also gives them information of how they can contribute to energy conservation. Through the Energy Saving Recommended database, the EST gives consumers information regarding products that meet energy efficiency criteria and reduce carbon emissions.
• Partnerships: The EST works throughout the UK and Europe by building partnerships with various organisations with the common goal of sustainable energy solutions. The Energy Saving trust partners with local authorities and housing providers in domestic housing. They provide information, advice and support for sustainable energy solutions. The EST is also involved in the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes. This is a network of approximately 480 organisations spanning the public, private and voluntary sectors. This network aims to reduce the energy consumption by UK households and reduce the number of people who are unable to adequately heat their homes is winter. The EST also supports the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) which is an action and advisory group committed to promoting the shift to low carbon vehicles and fuels in the UK. On the European level, the EST is currently acting as the President of the European Energy Network. The European Energy Network is a collaboration of 23 European energy agencies working towards energy efficiency and sustainability, and reducing the impact of climate change.
• Devolved nations: The EST runs a number of separate programmes across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for renewable energy and efficiency.

The EST Consumer Website

The Energy Saving Trust runs an informative website for consumers The Energy Saving Trust, UK, which aims to provide awareness to consumers so that they can make more informed decisions. The website provides:

• Information on climate change and its impact on the environment.
• Gives consumer tips on how they can make small changes that will save energy and reduce their expenses
• Runs a “Save your 20%” commitment pledge – where consumers can pledge to save energy and spread the message to others.
• Gives information and advice on renewable energy sources(such as wind turbines and solar panels)
• Provides information and guidance to homeowners and housing professionals to make households more energy efficient
• Provides information and guidance to motorists and transport businesses to run their cars and fleets efficiently
• Encourages community initiatives through Community Action for Energy programme, in which communities can take up initiative with help from EST

Energy Saving Recommended Database

The Energy Saving Trust has tied up with Pricerunnerto create a database of products. This database allows the consumer to find products and retailers, compare and buy products. Most importantly, this database carries products endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust with the Energy Saving Recommended logo. This indicates to consumers that the product is the most energy efficient in its category. The criteria for this logo are set by an independent panel and are reviewed annually. Also, product testing is undertaken to ensure that the consumers are being provided with the best and most efficient products. The database carries a whole range of products that include household appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, televisions) as well as insulations, boilers, heating controls, glazing and light fittings. Consumers are encouraged to make informed choices regarding the products that they buy. The EST endorses only the top 20% of products on the market – and the Energy Saving Recommended accreditation is currently free.

References

• The Energy Saving Trust

See Also

Energy Star