In response to the challenge laid down by the government's Energy White Paper, the Energy Saving Trust began piloting a network of Energy Saving Trust Advice Centres to implement a sustainable energy network approach in April 2005. This article provides an update on the progress of the Pilot so far.

Funded by Defra and the DTI, the ultimate aim of the sustainable energy network approach is to achieve a step change in consumer action to reduce carbon emissions. The three Energy Saving Trust Advice Centres cover Northern Ireland, the North East and Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire). Each has been working hard to deliver a more joined up, strategic approach that makes it easier and simpler for consumers to take action in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and transport.

Identifying priorities

Speaking about the new approach, programme manager Fiona Dykes explained: "As part of developing a sustainable energy network the three centres have been tasked with identifying the carbon saving priorities for their region. For example, the North East has identified the large number of unfilled cavity walls as a priority issue to tackle. Anglia has identified inadequate loft insulation as a main concern and Northern Ireland has highlighted the problem of poor appliance labelling.

"Once carbon saving priorities have been agreed, each centre is responsible for developing the infrastructure to address these issues. This involves working with a wide range of new and existing partners, from manufacturers, installers and retailers to local authorities, journalists and energy suppliers to ensure that it is as simple and easy as possible for consumers to take action. We strongly believe that a co-ordinated partnership approach is required to bring about a low carbon society and this is the approach the centres are trialling."

Cross-selling carbon saving

Central to the sustainable energy network concept is that greater carbon savings can be achieved by providing advice on renewable energy and transport as well as energy efficiency. Fiona explains: "If someone contacts our centre for advice on insulating their home this provides an ideal opportunity to explore how they might make carbons savings in other areas of their lives. For example, we might ask if they're planning to buy a new car and if so, provide them with advice on the most fuel efficient cars or tell them about cleaner fuels. Or if someone calls about getting a wind turbine, we'll also advise them to make their home as energy efficient as possible first. This cross-selling approach seems to be received very well by consumers, who very often don?t know where to go for this type of information."

Performance so far and next steps

The pilot will run for two years through to March 2007 and is being extensively analysed and evaluated during this period. The early signs are positive, with the pilot exceeding its customer advice targets in its first year. A more detailed end of year progress report can be viewed here.

If proved to be successful, the Energy Saving Trust would like to extend the sustainable energy network approach to the rest of the UK. To enable a full roll out, the Energy Saving Trust has begun to engage with a range of bodies to determine how a sustainable energy network might be best implemented in their region. Subject to funding, the roll out would commence in 2007/08 with a fully operational network across the UK in 2008/09. If you would like more information about the pilot project, or about the regional consultation processes, please email programme manager Fiona Dykes