University of Sussex
Browse
Rosenowetal.2018TheremainingpotentialforenergysavingsinUKhouseholds2.pdf (1005.71 kB)

The remaining potential for energy savings in UK households

Download (1005.71 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 15:57 authored by Jan Rosenow, Pedro Guertler, Steven SorrellSteven Sorrell, Nick Eyre
Progress on improving energy efficiency of UK homes has stalled in recent years and the question arises how much more potential for further energy savings exist across the housing stock. Whilst there are some high-level estimates of the potential for buildings energy efficiency in the UK, a more granular assessment is needed to understand exactly where this potential lies and what form it takes. Our analysis fills this gap. It is based on the best available evidence on the remaining potential for energy efficiency improvements within UK residential buildings. Using UK government criteria for investment appraisal, we demonstrate that there is a significant resource of untapped energy-saving opportunities in UK homes. Specifically, our estimates suggest that: one quarter of the energy currently used in UK households could be cost effectively saved by 2035; and this could increase to one half if allowance is made for falling technology costs and the wider benefits of energy efficiency improvements. However, these estimates are sensitive to the assumptions made about capital, energy and carbon costs, and capturing this potential will require both significant policy change and large-scale investment.

Funding

Research Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand; G1020; RCUK-RESEARCH COUNCILS UK; EP/K011790/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Energy Policy

ISSN

0301-4215

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

121

Page range

542-552

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • The Sussex Energy Group Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-11-20

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-07-12

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-11-20

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC