The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is an independent, UK-based organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable energy use in homes and businesses. It provides impartial advice, resources, and support to individuals, local authorities, and organisations to help them adopt energy-saving measures and renewable energy solutions.
The EST plays a crucial role in the UK house building and retrofit sectors by offering guidance on improving the energy performance of buildings. This includes advice on insulation, heating systems, renewable energy technologies (such as solar panels and heat pumps), and behavioural changes that can reduce energy consumption. Its work is aligned with the UK’s net-zero goals and supports compliance with building regulations, including Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power).
The EST also collaborates with government bodies, housing associations, and industry professionals to develop programmes and policies that encourage energy-efficient practices in both new-build and retrofit projects.
Key Functions:
- Advice and Support: The EST provides free and impartial advice to homeowners and tenants on improving home energy efficiency. For example, it offers recommendations on upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or switching to low-carbon heating systems.
- Grant and Funding Guidance: It helps individuals and organisations identify and apply for government grants or funding schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or ECO (Energy Company Obligation).
- Research and Innovation: The EST conducts research into energy-saving technologies and practices, sharing insights to inform policy and industry standards.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Through its tools and calculators, the EST helps individuals and organisations measure and reduce their carbon footprint.
Practical Example:
A homeowner in the UK planning to retrofit their 1970s semi-detached house could use the EST’s online resources to identify cost-effective energy-saving measures. For instance, the EST might recommend cavity wall insulation, upgrading to triple-glazed windows, and installing a heat pump. The homeowner could also use the EST’s guidance to explore available grants, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, to offset installation costs.
Similarly, a local authority developing a social housing retrofit programme might partner with the EST to ensure compliance with PAS 2035 (the standard for whole-house retrofit projects) and achieve optimal energy savings for tenants.
Related Terms:
- PAS 2035: A standard for managing domestic retrofit projects.
- Low-Carbon Heating: Heating systems that produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions, such as heat pumps or biomass boilers.
- Approved Document L: UK building regulations focusing on energy efficiency.
- ECO (Energy Company Obligation): A government scheme to support energy efficiency improvements for low-income households.
The Energy Saving Trust is an essential resource for anyone involved in the UK housing sector, ensuring that energy efficiency and sustainability remain at the forefront of building and retrofitting practices.