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Reorienting Finance Towards Energy Efficiency: The Case of UK Housing

Author

Listed:
  • Noam Bergman

    (SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9SL, UK)

  • Tim Foxon

    (SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9SL, UK)

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges associated with stimulating large-scale investment in energy efficiency and demand management measures, using residential energy efficiency-improving retrofits in the UK as a case study. We consider how issues of energy policy, consumer choice and financial systems intersect, drawing on recent literature including energy policy documents and research reports, and on interviews with stakeholders from the finance sector, energy efficiency practitioners and more. We suggest that following the withdrawal of the Green Deal, there is a need to reconsider the framing of policy for household energy efficiency improvements, and examine three potential aspects of a new framing: energy efficiency as infrastructure; new business and financing models for energy efficiency provision; and decentralised financing institutions for energy efficiency investment This would require a long-term commitment from government on energy efficiency, and a need to ensure that projects are attractive and investable from both householders and investors’ perspectives. We conclude that there are important roles for government in any large scale initiative for energy efficient retrofitting of UK homes, even if the mechanisms are market based. These includes signalling long-term policy consistency and reducing risks for financial investment, and intermediating between finance and energy efficiency projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Noam Bergman & Tim Foxon, 2018. "Reorienting Finance Towards Energy Efficiency: The Case of UK Housing," SPRU Working Paper Series 2018-05, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School.
    • Handle: RePEc:sru:ssewps:2018-05
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    File URL: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/webteam/gateway/file.php?name=2018-05-swps-bergman-and-foxon.pdf&site=25
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Savona, 2018. "Industrial policy for a Europeanindustrial renaissance. A few reflections," SPRU Working Paper Series 2018-07, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School.

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    Keywords

    energy efficiency; energy policy; green finance; demand side management (DSM); infrastructure;
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