A critical review of the largest Resource Efficiency Club programme in England (2005–2008): key issues for designing and delivering cost effective policy instruments in the light of Defra’s Delivery Landscape Review

In England, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) allocated £5 million over three years from 2005 to 2008 to support the establishment of a wide range of innovative Resource Efficiency Clubs (RECs). The funds were channelled through the Envirowise programme which acted as the administrator for the REC programme. Receiving funds committed the club organiser to agree to undertake a minimum level of activity including the collection of resource data from club members, identification of potential savings made in the club and support to assist club members realise the savings. During the funding period (2005–2008) the programme funded 70 RECs with 45 remaining active at the end of the three years (2008). Some 1330 businesses were active in the 70 RECs with 1014 providing data including potential and actual savings. In excess of £50 million of potential savings were identified and by the end of 2008 some £25 million were achieved. The total savings to total grant ratio for all RECs were, by 2008, some 5.8; this was in excess of the original ratio set by Defra. The programme made clear to key decision makers that well designed RECs are a key policy instrument as they demonstrate to given localities and clusters of companies the environmental and financial benefits of resource efficiency. The research showed that the future for RECs in England is uncertain and strategists should consider innovative ways to fund their continued contribution to national, regional and local practice