SCOTLAND and London are leading the way in the UK’s “energy revolution” with advances in electric cars and smart appliances, according to a new study.
The country’s capital and Scotland lead on energy due to their successful shifts from fossil fuels to renewable-generated electricity, researchers from Imperial College London and E4tech suggested.
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The report also pointed out that residential homes in London, Scotland and the east are more energy efficient – being more likely to score high, A-C Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings and have fewer buildings rated F and G.
But while some areas rushed ahead in the renewable energy ratings, others lagged further behind. The north of England and the East Midlands were included in the list of areas where renewable energies were not as well developed.
Dr Iain Staffell of Imperial warned against the emerging differences between regions.
He said: “Our research reveals that Britain is at risk of creating a two-tier economy, leaving millions of families and businesses less well equipped to enjoy cheaper bills and better health outcomes.
“Our concern is they will not be offered the same opportunities as people living in regions which are modernising their energy infrastructure.”
The report, commissioned by the Drax Group, indicated that London leads progress jointly with Scotland because its transport system is the country’s greenest.
As public transport, walking and cycling are more dominant in London, a Londoner’s carbon footprint from transport is up to 2.5 times less than residents in other regions.
London receives nearly half of all national funds for rail electrification and it is also cheaper to own an electric car there than in any other part of the UK, the report claimed.
Disparities were found by drawing up a “barometer” of regional and national progress covering power, transport and buildings.
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