Policy brief - How can we unlock the scale of the demand- side opportunity to meet the UK’s Net Zero

Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment Policy brief How can we unlock the scale of the demand- side opportunity to meet the UK’s Net Zero commitments? Summary • The scope for UK energy demand reduction is 50% by 2050. [...] The International Energy Agency (IEA) has led the way in promoting the multiple benefits of energy efficiency.5 And the IPCC Energy demand in the UK, and other has concluded that demand side action will do developed economies, is dominated by more than supply side changes to deliver the three broad sectors – transport, buildings Sustainable Development Goals.6 and industry. [...] The impacts of action can reduce emissions 40-70% below the gas crisis on the UK have been baseline.2 significantly exacerbated by the cuts to energy efficiency programmes since In the UK, the scope for energy demand 2012. [...] Energy is the short-term affordability crisis, advice needs to address behaviour change coupled to the importance of emissions with great care, especially in the context of the reduction on the path to zero emissions SSEE-PB-2/24 3 from housing. [...] The scale and pace at which change can be Regulation and Standards delivered is limited by the need to consult and engage, and the speed at which supply Standards provide a baseline for acceptable chains, skills and local delivery capacity can be quality and frame expectations that drive developed.