Government Bodies and Regulatory Agencies
1. Department for Energy & Net Security (DESNZ): This government department is central to formulating energy policy in the UK, including measures to improve energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy. In July, 2024, the new Labour government created the Great British Energy company – a publicly owned energy company.
2. Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets): As the regulator for electricity and gas markets in Great Britain, Ofgem plays a critical role in implementing policies that promote energy efficiency, such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
3. The Environment Agency: This agency is involved in regulating and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions, including promoting energy efficiency as a means to achieve these reductions.
4. Local authorities/councils – local government organisations that provide public services to their communities. Planning officers who work for them help shape communities and are instrumental in advising on - and helping implement - energy efficiency measures in various projects.
5. Trustmark – the only government-endorsed quality scheme for work carried out in or around the home.
6. MCS - a standards organisation that creates and maintains standards that allows for the certification of products, installers and their installations.
Energy Suppliers and Utilities
4. Major Energy Companies: Companies like British Gas, E.ON, SSE, and others are involved in delivering energy efficiency programmes, often in compliance with government mandates like the ECO. They provide services ranging from energy audits to the installation of energy-efficient technologies in homes and businesses.
Businesses and Industry Associations
5. The Carbon Trust: An organisation that helps businesses, governments, and institutions reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. The Carbon Trust provides consultancy services and certifications that promote sustainable energy use.
6. Energy Saving Trust: A non-profit organisation that provides advice and support to consumers, businesses, and the government on strategies for improving energy efficiency.
7. IAA – Installation Assurance Authority: - the industry body that provides assurance framework under a single compliance platform and covers consumer protection, technical guidance, Certification, Competent Persons Scheme (CPS), installer surveillance, monitoring, training and carding.
8. EEA – Energy Efficiency Association: - a UK based trade association set up in 2018 to help coordinate communication and collaboration within the field of Energy Efficiency in several ways, mostly through meetings and events, online membership network and information publications. EEA is a Community Interest Company (CIC.)
9.REA – The Association for Renewable Energy and Green Technology: a not for profit trade association, championing its members and promoting a future built on renewable energy and clean technology.
Academic and Research Institutions
10. GCAP - Green Construction Advisory Panel: a member-led committee of over 500 building services, housing, and construction businesses, supported by local authorities, charities and training providers across the United Kingdom. The group exists to improve and develop sustainable training and education opportunities for the housing and construction industry with the aim to close the skills gap throughout the UK
11. Universities and Research Centres: Institutions like the Imperial College London and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research play a crucial role in advancing research on energy efficiency technologies and strategies.
Non-Governmental Organisations and Advocacy Groups
12. Green Alliance: An influential NGO that advocates for environmentally sustainable policies, including those related to energy efficiency.
13. Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace: These environmental organisations are critical in pushing for stringent environmental standards and policies, including those that enhance energy efficiency.
14. Extinction Rebellion - a UK-founded global environmental movement, with the stated aim of using nonviolent civil disobedience to compel Government action to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse
Technology and Innovation Leaders
15. Cleantech Startups: A growing number of startups in the UK are focused on innovative energy-efficient solutions, ranging from smart home devices to industrial energy management systems.
16. Renewable Energy Companies: Companies that integrate renewable energy solutions with energy efficiency measures are also key players, as they help to reduce overall energy consumption while supplying cleaner energy.
Consumers and the Public
17. Residential Consumers: Homeowners and tenants are vital stakeholders since their adoption of energy-efficient technologies and behaviours significantly contributes to national energy savings.
18. Commercial and Industrial Consumers: Businesses of all sizes consume substantial amounts of energy and their commitment to energy efficiency can lead to significant reductions in overall energy usage.
The effectiveness of the UK's energy efficiency efforts depends on the collaboration and commitment of these diverse stakeholders. Each group has a unique role to play, from policy formulation and enforcement to implementation and advocacy. Their collective actions are essential for the UK to meet its ambitious energy and climate goals.