Ed Davey launches the Energy Efficiency Deployment Office

Yesterday Ed Davey launched the Energy Efficiency Deployment Office (EEDO), the government’s new ‘centre of expertise on energy efficiency’. 

Launching EEDO: one of Ed Davey's first jobs as Secretary of State. Image by DECCgovuk via Flickr.

The EEDO is intended to be the hub for the development and delivery of energy efficiency policy and strategy. The Office consists of 50 civil servants with expertise in analysis, economics, customer insight, statistics and policy delivery.

Mr Davey commented on the launch: “For the first time, we’ll be able draw on the expertise of a dedicated energy efficiency team. A team with real experience and a clear job description: to help us deliver our existing policies, and find new ways to save energy, right across the economy.”

He went on to address some specific points relating to businesses: “For businesses, there are even bigger rewards on the table, but recent research suggests that when it comes to energy efficiency, too many executives lack confidence in the return on investment. 70% of businesses are planning investment in efficiency projects in the next three years, but one in three directors are unconvinced of the benefits, and one in four don’t even know what their annual energy bill is. That has to change. We need to get out there and show people what energy efficiency can really do for them. The money it can save, the carbon it can offset, and the green growth opportunities it presents.”

Mr Davey was referring to a survey of 600 businesses, conducted by Siemens, which found a lack of faith in the returns available from investing in energy efficiency. If these statistics accurately reflect the feelings of other business leaders, the EEDO could have a challenge on its hands.

Do you think the EEDO will make a difference? Are you thinking of investing in energy efficiency measures for your business? Let us know your thoughts.