On 6th March 2009 the Government launched its Low Carbon Industrial Strategy. The strategy sets out the Government’s vision of how the UK can benefit from the move to a low carbon economy. The Government believes that it will be business that will in reality drive the change to a low carbon economy but through this vision the Government will commit to a new industrial activism deploying all of the levers at its disposal.
The Climate Change Bill, which received Royal Assent in November 2008, set out the following key proposals:
Targets to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, from 1990 levels, and between 26% and 32% by 2020;
Greater energy efficiency, with more consumers becoming producers of their own energy at home;
Investment in low-carbon fuels and technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, wind, wave and solar power;
The Government reporting annually to Parliament on its progress in controlling emissions. In the 2009 Budget the Government announced many ‘green’ measures measures aimed at incentivising a
new low carbon and sustainable economy. Among these measures were £405 million to support low carbon industries and advanced green manufacturing, an uplift in support for offshore wind farms, and an extension of support for combined heat and power through the Climate Change Levy. The Government also announced an additional £100 million for new low cost loans to small businesses to become energy efficient. This is to be provided by the Carbon Trust.
Business and the Environment: Challenges Ahead
The British Chambers of Commerce Environment Survey 2008
In a global market place where economic competitiveness is the key to securing business growth and development, a balance must be struck between environmental concerns and economic development.
We are committed to ensuring that ALL environmental proposals that affect business are workable.
Key issues of concern at the moment are as follows:
Reports & Surveys
