UK Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2007 aims to deal with two major challenges regarding energy efficiency. They are as follows:
In the Action Plan 2007, different strategies have been devised to tackle the above-mentioned challenges. Restricted use of fossil fuels is the best way to check the emission of greenhouse gases. Different measures can be undertaken to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The UK Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2007 put stress on efficient and cost-effective use of the sources of energy to meet the energy efficiency goals. This in turn lowers the UK’s requirement of imported energy. Energy efficiency in UK also contributes towards the nation’s energy security. Improved energy efficiency cuts down the energy bills for the consumers of the United Kingdom. It also makes energy more affordable for the common people of UK.
Energy efficiency measures implemented so far have been highly successful in the context of energy efficiency in UK. The 2004 Energy Efficiency Action Plan2 along with the 2006 Climate Change Programme3 has already brought about a number of favorable changes in the energy scenario of the United Kingdom. The Energy White Paper4 under the UK Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2007 is expected to further energy efficiency in all major sectors of the UK economy.
However, there are some barriers that stand in way of effective implementation of energy efficiency measures in UK. These include management time for the small-sized and medium-sized enterprise, motivation and split incentives for the commercial sector, and finance in the manufacturing sector. Initiatives on the part of government, businesses and individuals are essential for the sustained improvement in UK’s energy efficiency.