Energy Saving Trust

Energy Saving Trust (EST) is a British organization devoted to promoting energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the sustainable use of energy, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions and helping to prevent man-made climate change. It was founded in the United Kingdom as a government-sponsored initiative in 1992, following the global Earth Summit.[1]

Energy Saving Trust is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the government and the private sector.[2][3] It is a social enterprise, and also has a charitable foundation.[4] EST has regional offices in England, and country offices in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.[1][5] It maintains a comprehensive website, and a network of numerous local advice centres.[6]

History and purpose

Energy Saving Trust was formally established in November 1992.[7][3] It was formed, as a public-private partnership, in response both to the director-general of Ofgas's 1991 proposal to increase energy efficiency in natural gas use,[8][9][10] and to the global June 1992 Earth Summit call to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent global warming and climate change.[1][11] In the wake of energy-supplier privatisation in the UK, EST was also specifically formed as an instrument to ensure energy conservation and carbon-emission reduction in a free-market environment.[12][10] The structure, scope, nature, and funding of EST's activities and programmes have varied over the years due to governmental policy changes; however its primary focus – on consumers and households – has remained the same.[11][13] It is the largest provider of energy-saving advice, and has effected significant and measurable savings of energy, money, and carbon.[11]

EST's main goals are to achieve the sustainable use of energy and to cut carbon dioxide emissions. It acts as a bridge between consumers, government, trade, businesses, third sector organisations, local authorities, and the energy market.[2][4] EST's target audience is consumers, local authorities, energy companies, and policy makers.[14] Among other activities, they provide:

  • Free advice, information, and action plans to individuals, organizations, communities, consumers, and the private sector on how to reduce carbon emissions, use water more sustainably, and save money on energy bills[5][2][4][15]
  • Grants and grant-finding advice for energy-saving projects, installations, and purchases[5][16]
  • Energy-saving certification, assurance, and accreditation services for businesses and consumer goods[17][5]
  • Independent and authoritative research, and policy analysis, in energy-conservation areas including household energy efficiency, low-carbon transport, renewable energy, and microgeneration[5][2]
  • Management or delivery of government programmes[4]
  • Testing of low-carbon technology[4]
  • Development of energy-efficient models and tools[4]

Services provided

EST provides grants and free advice to the public to help reduce energy use, energy bills, and greenhouse gas emissions.[16]

For individuals, Energy Saving Trust provides information and advice on subjects including:[18][19]

  • Insulation
  • Heating and hot water
  • Electricity use, green electricity, and energy-efficient products and appliances
  • Generating renewable energy
  • Finding and starting community projects
  • Energy-saving travel and transport

For organisations, Energy Saving Trust provides numerous services including:[20][19]

  • Green Deal and other certifications
  • Advice and analysis
  • Technology and technical resources
  • Transport checks, advice, information, and green certifications
  • An assortment of government and local programmes
  • International action, advice, and bespoke consultations

See also

References
  1. Dawson, Catherine. Green Property: Buying, Developing and Investing in Eco-friendly Property, and Becoming More Energy Efficient. Kogan Page Publishers, 2008. p. 11–12.
  2. "Energy Saving Trust – Profile at European Energy Network". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  3. United Kingdom Energy Report. Enerdata, 2011. p. 7.
  4. Energy Saving Trust – About Us
  5. Energy Saving Trust. Sust-it.
  6. Jenkins, Dilwyn. Renewable Energy Systems: The Earthscan Expert Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies for Home and Business. Routledge, 2013. p. 15.
  7. Oshitani, Shizuka. Global Warming Policy in Japan and Britain: Interactions Between Institutions and Issue Characteristics. Manchester University Press, 2006. pp. 166–169.
  8. Owen, Gill. A Market in Efficiency: Promoting Energy Savings Through Competition. Institute for Public Policy Research, 1996. p. 11.
  9. Markus, T.A. (ed). Domestic Energy and Affordable Warmth. Watt Committee on Energy; British Gas. Routledge, 2005. p. 43.
  10. Owen, Gill. Public Purpose Or Private Benefit?: The Politics of Energy Conservation. Manchester University Press, 1999. pp. 104–109.
  11. Whitmarsh, Lorraine; Lorenzoni, Irene; O'Neill, Saffron (eds). Engaging the Public with Climate Change: Behaviour Change and Communication. Routledge, 2012. pp. 142–160.
  12. Oshitani, Shizuka. Global Warming Policy in Japan and Britain: Interactions Between Institutions and Issue Characteristics. Manchester University Press, 2006. pp. 184–186.
  13. Elliott, David. Energy, Society and Environment. Routledge, 2002. pp. 152–154.
  14. Energy Saving Trust Archived 2014-07-14 at the Wayback Machine at ManagEnergy
  15. "Energy Saving Advice Service" Archived 2014-07-14 at the Wayback Machine. In: DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS AND BETTER TARGETING: Delivering programmes for the benefit of the fuel poor. National Energy Action. 6 November 2013.
  16. Carrington, Damian. "Energy Saving Trust funding cut by half". The Guardian. 21 January 2011.
  17. Energy Saving Trust — Certification
  18. Energy Saving Trust – Individuals
  19. Committee on Climate Change. Building a Low-carbon Economy: The UK's Contribution to Tackling Climate Change; the First Report of the Committee on Climate Change. Great Britain: The Stationery Office, 2008. p. 232.
  20. Energy Saving Trust – Organisations
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