The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is launching a major new survey that will assess the value of the ‘green economy’.

The Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economic Survey is part of ONS’s work to value areas of the economy not captured by traditional indicators. Its findings can help to inform policies on jobs, growth and investment.

Director of the Measuring National Well-being programme, Glenn Everett, said: “The use of green energy is rising and is now around six times higher than it was two decades ago. ONS’s mission is to create the most comprehensive picture of the UK economy, so it’s important to measure the impact this growing sector is having.”

In 2012, 9.6Mtoe of energy was consumed from renewable and waste sources, 4.5% of total energy consumption in the UK. This has grown steadily from 1.3 Mtoe 1990.

The new survey has been welcomed by many involved in the environment sector, who say it will provide important information.

Will McDowall, from University College London's Energy Institute said: 'This new survey will provide much-needed, robust evidence on the strength, size and dynamics of Britain’s low-carbon and renewable energy sectors. It will provide crucial insight into understanding how the UK economy is responding to the challenges of developing new, low-carbon and renewable energy industries.'