In our response to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee inquiry into energy efficiency, the Royal Society highlighted that if energy is too cheap it will not provide the motivation across the economy for maximising efficiency. Placing primary emphasis on well-designed economic instruments can provide this incentive for action.
Introducing the correct regulations is also important. Building regulations have been effective in driving efficiency measures, whilst suitable legislation can ensure customers have access to the necessary information to make informed decisions.
Relevant Royal Society reports
Royal Society statement on UK Governments White Paper on energy (February 2003)
Economic instruments for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (November 2002)
The role of the Renewables Directive in meeting Kyoto targets (October 2000)