Gordon has a Solar panel

At last we had some conversation on energy issues in the leaders debate. Gordon has a solar panel, David has a wind turbine, Nick didn't own up to anything.

Sure - it was good to hear the leaders give enrgy issues some airtime, but it was pretty clear that it wasn't top of their radar.

Their ideas however are sound...

> focus on improving existing stock, with simple energy efficiencies like insulating the loft.
> make sure new build homes are very energy efficient from the outset.
> put 'encouragements' in place, or at least remove roadblocks to get homeowners to act.

On a larger scale, we heard them talking about nuclear power and a balanced strategy for future energy needs - all good stuff.


As an Energy assessor, I would love to get involved in these initiatives. Whatever measures are put in place, we can only assess how effective they are being if we have a baseline to measure from - a baseline that is objective and consistent and would stand up to scrutiny. we already have the vehicle for this - the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Make sure all property taking up any initiative is mandatorily assessed, prior to any upgrade work AND again after the upgrade work is complete. All the content is already held on a central register, so would be readily available for analysts then to assess what benefit each initiative is having and provide real data to back up benefit statements, rather than political spin.

Of Course I have a vested interest. I am one of the qualified Energy Assessors who want to be employed doing this work, but the underlying motives ring true.

If you feel strongly this, check the small print from your local candidates in the upcoming election, the big picture was summarised in my blog earlier this week. Your vote means politicians are very much in listening mode - so let them hear your point of view.

On a more practical level Surrey Energy Consultants offer independant advice on home energy matters in Surrey & SW London. If you think we can help you, please get in touch.