Greens Urge Greater Commitment to Energy Efficiency

The Green Party acknowledged the results of the government's Energy Efficiency Commitment initiative, which reduced domestic carbon emissions by one percent and has saved low income homes �175 million since 2002. The scheme installed cavity wall and loft insulation, energy-efficient boilers and light bulbs in 10 million households.

"At last the Government seems to have realized that saving energy can mean saving money as well. This is a good example of a programme where lowering carbon emissions means reducing not raising costs." said John Whitelegg, Green Party Sustainable Development Spokesperson.

Besides the six million lower income homes, the programme was also used in higher income homes and has saved 10 million households £350 million since it began in 2002. It is administered by the gas and energy regulator Ofgem and is under consideration by the Government to be continued through 2008.

"However, this programme should continue and be expanded to require energy companies to take these measures in every home," Whitelegg said. "Furthermore, another way to pair lowering carbon emissions with saving money would be for the government to stop what is essentially "subsidisation" of the aviation industry, ie to begin charging fuel tax."