Committee on Climate Change

There is a significant potential to cut emissions in the commercial and public sectors, and to save money through reduced energy bills. In many cases, the required actions are simple, and low cost, for example, ensuring that computers and lights are switched off overnight.

We estimate reductions in emissions of 15 MtCO₂ are achievable by 2020 if cost effective energy efficiency measures are introduced by:

• Managing energy more efficiently, for example, by optimising heating controls and installing motion-sensitive lights.
• Investing in more efficient heating, cooling systems, lighting and appliances.

Our extended ambition scenario requires emission reductions of 39% (on 2007 levels) from commercial and public buildings.

The 2020s

In the public and commercial sector we assume a slow but continuing trend of energy efficiency improvement of 20% between 2010 and 2030.