View from the policy frontline: our ACE interview with Joanne Wade

Anyone and everyone who works in the energy efficiency sector has heard of ACE – the Association for the Conservation of Energy.  Established in 1981, and now with Dr Joanne Wade at the helm, ACE has provided a loud and consistent voice for and within the sector for 35 years.  They are the organisation that Government and stakeholders go to for advice and guidance, acting as a sounding board at the same time as holding Government to account.

Joanne’s been working hard with the ACE team over the last year to really focus in on what ACE are good at: campaigns, research and lobbying.  And the results are impressive.  Their membership offer has been overhauled meaning there’s now something for organisations of all sizes and backgrounds (yes – SE² has joined!), and their new and growing suite of Local Stories helps to tell the story of energy efficiency on the ground, constituency by constituency (more details below!)

I caught up with Joanne to get her take on the recent myriad of political events and find out what she thinks this means for our sector.

We’ve had an interesting month in politics - what do you make of it all?

I am glad that the uncertainty about the Government was shorter-lived than expected as there is urgent policy work that needs to be done, and changes in Ministers etc are a distraction from this.  I hope that the opposition now gets on and sorts itself out, as it is imperative that we have strong voices challenging Government and pushing them to deliver on energy policy.

How do you think BREXIT will impact on the UK’s energy efficiency policies and commitments?

In the short term, the increased uncertainty is badly affecting confidence in the market.  But in the long term I think there will be little impact: UK policy will be driven by the requirements of the Climate Change Act and the clear economic, health and wellbeing benefits of increased energy efficiency investment. And I am sure that we will continue to trade with Europe, and will hence continue to comply with product standards, including those on energy efficiency. Irrespective of BREXIT, we’re calling on the new Prime Minister and her cabinet to stick to the key EU climate change targets for 2020

And what about the abolishment of DECC? How supportive do you think UK politicians are of our agenda?

We need to grasp the opportunity that this offers.  Energy is now part of a powerful department, and hence the cross-departmental initiatives that are often vital to progress on energy efficiency should be easier to secure.  We have avoided a split between energy supply and demand, as both remain in the same department.  We have a Secretary of State who is clear that climate change has to be tackled and positive about the benefits of energy efficiency.  And we have – in Nick Hurd – a Minister of State who chaired the Climate Change group of the Conservatives’ Quality of Life Commission.

But in general, I think there remains a lack of understanding of the full benefits of energy efficiency amongst politicians of all parties and so we need to develop this.  Our Local Stories work tackles this at the constituency level, highlighting the potential for investment in the building stock in the local area, pointing to great local action that is already happening, and explaining how doing more would benefits residents and workers in the local area.

What do you think the big opportunities are for the UK?

Thriving countries of the future will be those that have an infrastructure that supports health, wellbeing, resilience to climate change and productivity.  Buildings are a key part of our infrastructure, and ensuring that they are fit for the future, including through significantly increased energy efficiency, will be vital to ensuring that we remain a competitive economy and a country where people want to live and work.

How is ACE positioning itself in all this turmoil?

Our position has not changed: a step change in energy efficiency investment is needed, so that the demand side can play its full role in the energy system of the future.  We represent organisations and individuals that understand how this step change can be delivered, and we work constructively with government and other key stakeholders to ensure that this expertise feeds in to the development of a stable, long-term policy landscape that will support the development of the market for energy efficiency investments.

As part of this, ACE has seven key policy asks which we are lobbying hard for:

1. A national target for buildings energy efficiency, making clear to everyone the contribution that this is expected to make.  This as part of a new energy policy framework that puts demand on a level footing with supply.
2. Making energy efficiency in buildings a top national infrastructure priority
3. Public sector leadership on energy efficiency in the workplace.  This leadership should be demonstrated throughout the national and local public sector
4. A new trajectory towards zero carbon new build
5. Expanded and strengthened minimum energy efficiency standards for existing buildings
6. Systemic incentives for energy efficiency retrofits, such as differential stamp duty or business tax reductions
7. A sustained initiative, led by government, to unlock access to personal and business loans and mortgages to use for investment in energy efficiency.

How can others get involved?

Become a member or support our Local Stories!  In this time of political uncertainty, it’s vital that the energy efficiency sector is represented by an established and respected organisation to help the industry – and Government – navigate change and it is here that ACE provides leadership.  We provide a trusted hand on the tiller for all parties and can help make a brighter future for energy efficiency.  We have Ordinary, Associate and Academic membership packages providing you with a  voice in the energy efficiency policy development process, timely access to our insight and the ability to participate in our events, and networking with policymakers, your peers and other key stakeholders.

What do you look for in a membership organisation?  Do you feel represented?  What more should organisations like ACE be offering? We'd love to hear your views - tweet me at @se2_rachael with your thoughts!