30/10/09
Over the next few years, millions of homes and businesses will be retrofitted with a range of energy saving measures.
Given that 6-7% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions come from domestic water heating, this is a wonderful opportunity to mainstream domestic water efficiency and stop the release of serious volumes of carbon.
Water and energy companies have not been slow to recognise the opportunities, and are increasingly working on joint retrofit programmes. Unfortunately, however, this is despite, rather than with the support of, current frameworks.
What is really needed is political leadership and regulatory incentives to join disparate schemes together and reduce domestic energy use and carbon emissions through water efficiency measures.
Without this, a big opportunity (and lots of water and carbon) will be wasted.
Contact: Bruce Horton
