‘Make energy efficiency a priority’ is the message the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) is asking of Sadiq Khan, the new Mayor of London.
Isaac Occhipinti, head of external affairs, said: “EUA ask that Mr Khan put energy efficiency at the heart of his policy for London. An effective energy efficiency policy will have diverse and far reaching positive outcomes for many Londoners; from helping to tackle fuel poverty through to helping to improve air quality.”
EUA call on the new Mayor to:
Extend the boiler scrappage scheme: EUA would like the scheme to be extended to include all non-condensing boilers as currently financial incentives are available to replace G rated boilers. Carbon emissions and household energy bills can be reduced by switching to an efficient boiler.
Implement a robust and all-encompassing domestic energy efficiency scheme: Improved energy efficiency will reduce energy bills and help improve the health and wellbeing for London residents. A whole house approach to energy efficiency is needed to help reduce carbon emissions in the capital.
Incentivise commercial natural gas vehicles (NGV’s): NGVs have lower emissions and lower operating costs than their diesel equivalents. Currently heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s) contribute nearly 75% of NOx emissions in local geographic areas, where the UK is exceeding annual targets. Natural gas as an alternative to diesel, in buses, large goods vehicles and HGVs, will improve air quality by reducing NOx, carbon dioxide and noise emissions, at no additional cost, and they can use the existing high-quality gas pipeline infrastructure.