Specifiers Journal 2015-2016

Renewables have taken a battering,
but are hardly down for the count
It is not uncommon these days to hear of the turmoil in the renewables industry.
Since taking office in May, the Conservative Government has driven a series
of sudden and severe policy changes (the REA has tracked eleven so far) that
caught most of the public and industry off-guard.
They are attempting to manage the
widespread public concern about
the possible shortfall in electricity
production capacity the nation may
have this winter. Critically, they
are interested in allowing for new
thinking in design of buildings and
of businesses that a step change
in technologies like renewables
provides.
Because of the proposed cuts of up to
87% in the tariffs for many small-scale
renewable projects, many companies
are set to collapse and solar projects
are set to be scrapped heading into
Christmas.
The Renewable Energy Association
(REA), as the largest renewable
trade association in the UK and as
a representative of a substantial
spread of technologies (ranging from
local hydro to solar integrated into
new buildings), has been at the fore
of making the case in and around
Parliament for the government to
continue to support renewables.
It may be surprising given recent
media coverage, but support for
decentralised renewables quietly runs
deep, and it runs across party lines.
Many established Parliamentarians
are aware of why we chose the path
28 SPECIFICATION JOURNAL 2015-2016
of decentralised energy, and of the
tremendous national benefits it
is bringing. Many new MP’s
are receptive to the message
that social and environmental
benefits aside, supporting
technologies such as solar and
storage is facilitating serious
innovation in architectural
design. They are helping the
industry reimagine how to
structure and power major
infrastructure projects, and
are changing a panoply of
business models.
The REA’s immediate goal has
been to provide clear, accurate,
and timely information to the right
people. Working determinedly on
consultations, coordinating with local
businesses, and arguing our case to
MP’s in hallways and constituency
offices may not sound glamorous,
but it is increasingly necessary. We
are fighting in Parliament to retain
what policies we have that support
innovation and greater efficiency
in the architecture and building
industries.
Many are beginning to listen, and
certain messages are heard more
than others. The government is keen
to hear about keeping British industry
and design competitive with that of
Europe and the rest of the world.
Our message is this: talk to your
MP. 1 If you’re a business, a family,
or an individual, call your MP’s office
and find a time to tell them that
renewables are allowing for new
income streams, and allowing for new
thinking about efficiency as buildings
move from being producers, not just
consumers of energy. Construction
policies such as Zero Carbon Homes,
or the Merton Rule (that encourages
local authorities to develop new
homes with on-site energy) would be
of great help. This debate is not over,
it will continue well into the new year.
1 You can write to your local MP easily using an online
tool, found here: http://ppccontact.r-e-a.net