The Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has welcomed the Welsh Government’s first Energy Efficiency Strategy, announced on 23 February.

“This is the first Energy Efficiency Strategy for Wales and I am thrilled that the Welsh Government are placing this important topic at the heart of their administration,” said Stewart Clements, director of the HHIC.

“According to figures from DCLG, 30% of Welsh EPCs since 2008 have been Bands E, F and G, highlighting that there is a very real need to improve energy efficiency across the Welsh housing stock and making the need for this strategy all the more vital.

“The strategy recognises that ‘one size will not fit all’ and that different groups will require different approaches, it also has the provision to allow a range of financial support mechanisms to be developed; which I believe will help ensure its success.

“The strategy goes beyond seeing energy efficiency as a tool for reducing bills and energy use and looks at the negative impact living in a cold home can have on health and well-being. Supporting people to install appropriate energy efficiency measures will improve living conditions and quality of life; with a secondary benefit of will reducing costs to the NHS on repeatedly treating individuals affected by living in the cold.

“As an industry we welcome the opportunity to work more closely with the Welsh Government in taking their strategy, implementing it and making the benefits a reality for the Welsh people.”

Picture courtesy of Shutterstock/Gil C