24 November 2011

Energy Saving Trust awarded charitable status

Announces John Lewis as founding partner 

The Energy Saving Trust has been awarded charitable status, as it seeks to continue its mission of providing free, independent and impartial advice to householders and communities on how to reduce domestic energy consumption. 

Retailer John Lewis is the first founding partner of the charity, underlining the department store’s commitment to give customers clear advice about energy efficient products.

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: “With Green Deal on the horizon, we need a definitive information source to give assurance to the public, so that the actions they take, and the green products they buy will deliver carbon savings as well as help control escalating bills.

“We continue to provide free and impartial advice to millions of people and with the support of John Lewis we will reach millions more in the years ahead.”

The charity’s advice will continue to focus on how to reduce carbon emissions, use water more sustainably and save money on energy bills.
 
Rob Martin, manager, product services, at John Lewis, said: “We know that our customers want to make energy-saving choices when they shop, but find it hard to navigate through the volume of product information out there. We will be able to pass on the Energy Saving Trust’s market-leading, impartial advice to our customers, helping them make informed choices about buying products which are right for them.”

The department store was the first UK brand to manufacture and sell A-rated energy appliances in all its own-brand white goods. Earlier this year launched a green product identifier which appears on items offering more sustainable choices such as being Fairtrade, organic, or made from sustainable or recycled materials, including those eligible to carry the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label.
 
As well as appearing on products sold in John Lewis, the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label is on more than 3,000 different products across 35 categories which are sold in the UK. These range from fridge/freezers to TVs to light bulbs to boilers. Only the most energy-efficient products carry the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label, making it quick and easy for consumers to find products that will cost less to run, contribute to savings on their energy bill and help them do their bit for the environment.

End.
 

Notes to editors:
 
About the Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is organised as a social enterprise with charitable status.

We have incorporated a new charitable parent company, under which is a non-profit company continuing to deliver substantial government-funded programmes and a wholly owned trading subsidiary.
We remain independent and we will continue to provide communities and households with impartial advice.

We have an innovative range of services, which businesses and organisations can buy to equip themselves to benefit their customers.

The Energy Saving Trust was formed in 1992 and was previously a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. 
 

Energy Saving Trust services

  • Our services for the public sector
    For governments, local authorities, communities and housing associations, we will build upon our years of experience to advise, develop and deliver large energy efficiency programmes.
  • Our services for the private sector
    Our services will support efforts to save energy and water and reduce carbon emissions. Any surplus earned will be donated to the charitable foundation.
  • Certification and assurance
    Customers are more likely to buy when they know for sure that the goods on offer are the most energy-efficient for sale; and householders are much more likely to act on advice if they have confidence in the person giving the advice.
  • Testing, verification and technical services
    We test new technologies to see how they work in real situations for real households. Our tests are thorough, peer-reviewed and internationally recognised. We test the whole chain of operation from installation to understanding householders’ perspectives, so we can identify every strength and every weakness.
  • Knowledge, insight and modelling
    We have an innovative range of tools and models to help make your projects successful. They draw on our unique knowledge and expertise, and they have a proven record in delivering successful energy-efficiency measures.

Our work covers all of the UK, much of it tailored to nations, regions, communities and individuals.