Behaviour change of energy consumption needed in the UK
July 4, 2011
A new report by T-Systems, the corporate arm of Deutsche Telekom AG has found that the UK needs to reduce its power consumption if it is going to achieve its legislated targets on carbon emissions reduction, while also seeking to cope with both increased energy prices and demand.
Policy efforts in regards to supply will focus on revising the energy mix. Demand will need to be led by action in both homes and businesses to cut energy consumption and improve efficiency. Facilitating the necessary behavioural shifts will require a mix of policies that both incentivise and impose change on businesses and consumers.
The clear implication is that the government will have to rely on anticipated increases in real energy prices to help it achieve the kind of change that is required. Attitudes towards energy use in the UK are deeply embedded; it will take more than government policy alone to prompt a radical rethink from either businesses or consumers.
For more information see: Chasing the negawatt. - Energy efficiency in British homes and business.
