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Empowering Oxfordshire's transition to net-zero: Energy Solutions Oxfordshire publishes key findings in the "Understanding Non-Domestic Retrofit" report (PDF). 

Research report: Understanding non-domestic retrofit in Oxfordshire

Empowering Oxfordshire’s transition to net-zero: Energy Solutions Oxfordshire publishes key findings in the “Understanding Non-Domestic Retrofit” report (PDF). 

Oxfordshire, [February 5, 2024] — Energy Solutions Oxfordshire (ESOx) has just published their latest research report, “Understanding Non-Domestic Retrofit in Oxfordshire.” The report (link below), aimed at Oxfordshire’s City, District, and County Councils, as well as OxLEP (Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership), is aimed at helping policy makers better distribute resources and funding towards practical climate action. 

Oxfordshire has been at the forefront of the net-zero movement, marked by significant projects like the Energy Superhub Oxford and Project LEO. Local initiatives such as OxFutures have shown practical pathways to decarbonisation and Oxford University in the Pathways to a Zero Carbon Oxfordshire (PAZCO) report, mapped routes to net zero. 

Despite these advances, the 2019 Oxfordshire Energy Strategy highlighted the need for a more robust plan for updating the county’s building stock. This report fills that gap, offering comprehensive insights into the current state of Oxfordshire’s non-domestic buildings. It details which organisations are championing energy efficiency upgrades, their motivations, and the technologies they are adopting. 

Key insights from the report

Ambitious goals, clear pathways: Oxfordshire has set a target of 50% emissions reduction by 2030. The report summarises the strategic commitments that already exist within the County but emphasises the necessity for a well-funded approach to achieve them. 

Supporting local businesses: ESOx advocates for increased support for SME (Small or Medium sized Enterprise) businesses, aiming to bridge the funding gap, and speeding up the implementation of energy-efficient retrofits. While non-profit organisations have access to grants, SMEs need added backing to contribute significantly to the county’s net-zero goals. 

Core message

Energy Solutions Oxfordshire stands as a reliable ally for Oxfordshire’s decision-makers involved in shaping net-zero policies and distributing budgets. The report not only names challenges but presents clear recommendations to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future. 

Graphic content: 

The report is backed by data and enriched with clear graphs and tables for better understanding. 

For media inquiries

Alison Grunewald, Business Relationships Manager 
alison.grunewald@lowcarbonhub.org 

About Energy Solutions Oxfordshire (ESOx): 

ESOx is a service delivered by Low Carbon Hub in partnership with EIE (Environmental Information Exchange), Oxford Brookes University. 
 
ESOx is committed to guiding businesses and local authorities in Oxfordshire towards energy efficiency. By providing building energy assessments and offering advice on low carbon technologies, ESOx aims to cut energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and help Oxfordshire make achieve a sustainable future.