Government investment in domestic energy efficiency could help tackle climate change and create 9,000 new jobs
Leading economists have this week called on the Scottish government to boost energy efficiency investment in Scotland, describing it as an effective way to deliver a "shot in the arm" to the nation's economy.
The researchers, from the University of Strathclyde and the London School of Economics, said energy efficiency programmes can create up to 9,000 new jobs and drive economic activity across the country.
Related articles
"Our own research shows that energy efficiency improvements free up disposable income for low income households to better heat their homes or to spend on other things," said Professor Karen Turner, director of the Centre for Energy Policy at the University of Strathclyde, in a statement. "This helps reduce fuel poverty and drive new economic activity, delivering a long term and lasting boost to the economy on top of the infrastructure programme itself.
"With the UK economy still reeling in shock from the EU referendum, energy efficiency investment is a direct shot in the arm, delivering a relatively rapid economic stimulus," she added.
Energy efficiency has been declared a "national infrastructure priority" in Scotland, and in January a £14m Scottish Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) was unveiled to help local councils fund retrofitting activities.
Meanwhile, last week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled £20m in energy efficiency investment, paid for by the Scottish government's £100m stimulus package following the EU referendum vote.
The economists welcomed these commitments, but urged the government to go further, backing a call from the Existing Homes Alliance for Scotland to develop a "national infrastructure programme" to make Scotland's homes and public buildings more energy efficient.
"It's great to see the Scottish government recognise the immediate economic benefit and value of channelling new infrastructure investment into scaled-up home energy efficiency programmes," said Dimitri Zenghelis, co-head of policy at the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics. "However, this current investment package is small in relation to the size of the Scottish economy and the levels of economic uncertainty. If the Scottish government were to increase its warm homes spending, it would find its investment paid back many times over."
Existing Homes Alliance estimate that the Scottish government should be spending £450m to alleviate fuel poverty and meet climate targets. The new stimulus measures bring current spending levels to around £125m per year.
Further reading
from Home - Business Green http://ift.tt/2cLJgIn
Advertisement
Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.
