New Energy Saving Trust members named

Trust set to boost members to broaden reach and expertise

Worcester Bosch Group and Baxi Group UK and Ireland were today announced as new Energy Saving Trust Members.

Worcester Bosch and Baxi join existing members ScottishPower, E-on, British Gas, BP, EDF, npower, Scottish & Southern, Phoenix Gas, Firmus Energy, NIE Energy and National Grid.

Over the coming year the Trust will build its membership inviting a select few organisations who share its core values and can add value to its business strategy. These will include retailers, water companies, house builders, green energy suppliers and micro-generation manufacturers.

The Energy Saving Trust's strategy sets out its priorities for the next five years with seven areas of focus: energy efficient homes; energy saving behaviour; energy efficient products; low-carbon energy; sustainable travel; efficient use of water; less waste.

Members benefits range from briefings on major research projects, Government briefings, discounted rates for knowledge services to joint brand opportunities and many other offerings to help Members deliver sustainable business processes and offer employees low- carbon lifestyle activities.

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: "It would be an understatement to say that since the organisation was set up in 1992 it has grown considerably as climate change has shot up the public agenda."

"In the last five years alone, we have gone from fighting for a voice to being centre stage as we strive to make every home in the UK a low-carbon one."

"We have made significant progress over the years, but if we are to hit the 80 per cent carbon reduction target by 2050 then we have to make sure that we are equipped for the challenges ahead."

"Whist energy company Members will continue to be crucial in helping us deliver domestic carbon savings, we must broaden our reach and expertise. We need to make sure that we are working closely with the very best and co-ordinating our activities in a way that will compel the consumer to take action. Bosch and Baxi have proven track records as innovators of low-carbon and renewable technologies and can play a major role in helping us bring these technologies to the mass domestic market."

Worcester Bosch Group Director Carl Arntzen commented:
"Energy efficiency is central to our business and we're delighted to be working with the Energy Saving Trust over the coming year to empower as many of our customers as possible to reduce their energy consumption and in turn their carbon emissions."

Mark Kelly, CEO Baxi Group UK and Ireland said:
"We are dedicated to offer the best possible advice to industry and consumers. Baxi Group is committed to making sure that carbon, renewable and fuel poverty targets can be achieved with full support from the industry. We believe that all of these objectives will be enhanced through membership of the Energy Saving Trust as both our organisations work together to promote energy efficiency and sustainable living."

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Notes to editor:

About the Energy Saving Trust

Achieving the Energy Saving Trust's vision

The Energy Saving Trust is the UK's leading organisation set up to address the damaging effects of climate change by helping everybody to cut carbon dioxide emissions - the main greenhouse gas causing climate change - from their homes. We promote the efficient use of energy and a more low carbon lifestyle.

The Energy Saving Trust, through its network of "one-stop-shop" advice centres, provides free and impartial advice to consumers on saving energy, domestic renewables and greener transport, and is beginning to include water saving and waste reduction advice in its remit.

The Energy Saving Trust also works with retailers, builders and industry to make sure that energy efficient products are available for people to choose as well as advising government on policies that are needed to cut greenhouse gases.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn announced in December 2007 a new range of services to help people `green¿ their homes. The Energy Saving Trust has been tasked with developing and delivering this vision through its extended services.

For more information visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or call freephone 0800 512012 to speak to your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre.

Key achievementsof the Energy Saving Trust

• In 2008/09 the Energy Saving Trust helped nearly three million people save energy through its website and advice network
• In 2007/08 the Energy Saving Trust¿s work stimulated annual CO2 savings of 1.2 million tonnes and lifetime savings of over 24 million tonnes
• The Energy Saving Trust certifies over 3,000 Energy Saving Recommended products across 30 categories by working with more than 300 manufacturers and retailers
• The Energy Saving Trust provides the leadership and technical guidance demanded by the housing construction industry through 90,000 technical contacts and in-depth low carbon advice to eight developers and local authorities
• The Energy Saving Trust supports 80 local authorities with in-depth consultancy advice on reducing CO2 emissions in their locality
• Last year the Energy Saving Trust helped nearly 6,000 organisations save money and CO2 emissions through advice on low carbon transport
• The Energy Saving Trust ensures the robustness of household energy efficiency and micro-generation technologies by working with Government, energy suppliers and industry on field trials including micro-wind turbines, heat pumps, advanced heating controls, LEDs and solid wall insulation.
• To date, the Energy Saving Trust has administered over 7,000 household grants for micro-generation installations through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme totalling £9.7 million