Scots ‘leading energy revolution’

A two-tier economy is emerging as Britain goes through an “energy revolution” by advances in electric vehicles and smart appliances, according to a study.

Scotland and London are pulling ahead while the north of England and the East Midlands lag furthest behind, research found.

Researchers from Imperial College London and E4tech drew up a “barom- eter” of regional and national progress, covering power, transport and buildings.

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.

The city also receives 45 per cent of national funds for rail electrification, resulting in the country’s lowest carbon emissions from rail. It is also cheaper, on average, to own an electric car in London.

Scotland leads in the energy revolution with London due to its successful shift from fossil fuels to renewable generated electricity, the research suggested.

Homes in London, Scotland and eastern England are more energy-efficient and more likely to score high A-C Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.