Evaluation of the Second Climate Change Agreements Scheme

This document describes an evaluation of the second Climate Change Agreements (CCA) scheme, which is designed to enhance energy efficiency and competitiveness in UK businesses while offering carbon tax discounts to meet specific energy targets. The evaluation, conducted by CAG Consultants and partners, utilized a comprehensive methodological approach, including data analysis, econometric and macro-economic modeling, and both quantitative and qualitative research. Results show that the scheme is popular, with high participation rates and significant energy savings, particularly for firms previously less focused on energy efficiency and those with strong board-level engagement. The scheme has also contributed to economic growth and industrial competitiveness, with estimated annual net benefits of £185-450 million, though improvements could be made by focusing on more energy-intensive sectors. Comparisons with other energy policies suggest the CCA scheme has a modest but comparable influence on energy efficiency. Despite some challenges in administration and the need for more targeted support, stakeholders view the scheme positively and recommend enhancements for future policies. Overall, the CCA scheme is seen as a successful incentive for energy efficiency and competitiveness, aligning with the UK's zero carbon emissions goal by 2050, but could benefit from more targeted and stringent measures to improve its effectiveness. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Contribution analysis
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: April 2020

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes