Energy
Reducing demand, securing supply.
We would:
Ensure there is a coherent monitoring system in place to enable assessment against emission reduction targets.
Prioritise the new 3 Rs: Remove, Reduce, Replace. First remove demand altogether where possible (e.g. by stopping the carbon intensive activity altogether, or by true zero carbon technology); then reduce demand (e.g. by energy-efficiency measures); then switch to renewables for whatever energy need is left.
The private sector has not responded to the challenge of renewable energy with sufficient vigour and investment. We would introduce a programme of direct Government investment in wind and other renewable generation, creating jobs in installation and equipment manufacture.
Require all major development plans and planning applications to show how they will contribute to carbon reduction targets.
Set building regulations to require excellent energy standards on a points-based system, which will cover embodied energy of building materials, energy used in construction, energy consumption in use, on-site energy generation and use of heat distribution networks.
Introduce a free home insulation programme for all homes that need it, with priority for pensioners and those living in fuel poverty, aiming to insulate 40,000 homes every year.
Introduce minimum standards for renewables on new build homes, commercial and public buildings.
Aim to obtain about half our energy from renewable sources by 2020 and ensure that emissions from power generation are zero by 2030.
Phase out nuclear power and resolutely oppose any new nuclear power stations. Stop any further investment in new coal-fuelled power stations.
Encourage renewable heat and combined heat and power by helping councils develop heat distribution networks in suitable urban areas. Work to increase the adoption of biogas from organic sources such as agricultural and sewage waste materials, working with the water companies to build digestion plants.
Introduce stronger planning policies to support wind, tidal, wave, solar and geothermal energy schemes.
