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Energy Saving Trust

Volume 494: debated on Monday 15 June 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2009, Official Report, column 523W, on the Energy Saving Trust, how his Department monitors the annual performance of the Energy Saving Trust; and on what basis the Trust’s estimates of annual and lifetime carbon dioxide savings are calculated. (264844)

The Energy Saving Trust proposes an annual programme of work aimed at reducing domestic CO2 emissions, which is grant funded by DECC. The trust reports to DECC on a quarterly basis on the progress of the work, including achievements against a number of key performance indicators.

The Energy Saving Trust undertakes evaluations to assess impact across the range of activities for its main audiences. The evaluations employ rigorous methodologies involving both quantitative and qualitative surveys of target audiences (e.g. consumers), developed with independent evaluation consultancies to determine influence on annual and lifetime CO2 emissions.

Quantitative evaluation activity takes the form of impact assessments that aim to identify the CO2 savings attributable to Energy Saving Trust activity and the cost of these savings. Impact assessments are undertaken through specifically designed evaluation surveys of a representative sample of audience members to identify actions that have been undertaken as a result of the trust’s programme activities. The assessments of CO2 savings are aligned with values used for Government policies (e.g. CERT for energy efficiency measures) wherever possible.

The above evaluation is supported by qualitative evaluation, the objective of which is to ensure that the trust understands how impacts have been achieved. Lessons learned are then fed into the planning and development of any future activity.