Zoom in on Net Zero: Energy Saving Trust CEO Mike Thornton

BusinessGreen staff
clock • 1 min read

VIDEO: Non-profit's chief executive discusses the current gas crisis and sets out the case and solutions for decarbonising the UK's notoriously draughty housing stock

Mike Thornton is chief executive of Energy Saving Trust, an independent, not-for-profit organisation which works with individuals, business, communities and governments to save energy, reduce carbon emissions and help deliver a zero carbon society. 

Thornton has over 30 years' experience in the environmental, energy efficiency, transport and recycling sectors, and before joining the Energy Saving Trust almost two decades ago, he worked for Friends of the Earth Scotland and then Lothian and Edinburgh Environmental Partnership, which is now known as Changeworks).

Today, Thornton is also a member of the Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG), the Scottish Council for Development and Industry's (SCDI) Clean Growth Leadership Group, and chairs the Scottish Government's Heat Pump Sector Deal expert advisory group, and the Scottish Power Foundation.

Sitting down for a video call with BusinessGreen's editor in chief James Murray recently, Thornton spoke about the current energy crisis impacting business and household bills, the challenge and opportunity of decarbonising homes and heating, and how the UK can fund much needed energy efficiency measures to upgrade millions of draughty homes across the country.

Their conversation can be watched back in full above.  

The Energy Saving Trust is a partner of the Net Zero Festival.

More on Energy

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru: Welsh Government launches publicly-owned green energy developer

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru: Welsh Government launches publicly-owned green energy developer

Merthyr Tydfil-based firm to help drive renewables rollout across Wales

Stuart Stone
clock 16 July 2024 • 3 min read
National Grid ESO: 'Decisive action' needed in next two years to enable net zero energy system

National Grid ESO: 'Decisive action' needed in next two years to enable net zero energy system

Grid operator sets out future pathways for delivering a net zero energy system in UK, as it warns slow progress has eaten into headroom for meeting carbon targets in the 2030s

Michael Holder
clock 15 July 2024 • 6 min read
Net zero is a moral imperative - government and industry need to get to work

Net zero is a moral imperative - government and industry need to get to work

Labour must kickstart its time in government with a bold and ambitious climate policy programme that draws investment to the UK, writes REA CEO Trevor Hutchings

Trevor Hutchings, REA
clock 15 July 2024 • 4 min read