Tougher energy efficiency targets could boost the UK economy by £62 billion and create 40,000 jobs according the unpublished figures obtained by WWF.
The figures, part of a costs and benefit assessment disclosed after an access to information request and now released by the Guardian, reveal that a curb of energy consumption could increase GDP while helping to tackle climate change.
Significantly, they also reveal that the stronger the targets, the more substantial the benefits. A 40% cut in energy use would increase GDP by £63 billion, while a 30% cut would deliver a boost of just of just £17.3 billion - more than three times less.
This comes shortly after the release of a report that hailed energy efficiency as 'a hidden fuel' that could boost economic growth and sustainable development.
In September, the International Energy Agency's (IEA) analysis noted that energy efficiency was being severely undervalued, warning that under current regulation two-thirds of energy efficiency's potential benefits, available between now and 2035, will remain unrealised.
The EU bloc is currently committed to a 20% efficiency increase by 2020, and will decide on future targets within the coming weeks.
This month, EU leaders must agree on a range of climate targets for 2030, with carbon emission reduction targets of 40% and an EU-wide target for renewable energy the headline measures.
According to the IEA, investment in energy efficiency is now equal to investment in coal, oil and gas and will grow even further, generating economic output of £11tn by 2035.
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