Enigin Update - Almost Half of UK's Biggest Companies Failing on Carbon Targets
ALMOST half of the top companies in the UK have not set targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, despite legislation over the last few years, reveals a study by the Carbon Trust.
The Guardian newspaper reports that these leading businesses either lack numerical targets or their targets have expired and are based on previous years targets. The UK government set some of the world's most ambitious targets on CO2 emission reductions running through to the 2020s and beyond, meaning these corporations and industry are acting in contrast with the government.
If CO2 emission reduction targets have been set, the Guardian reports, that they are generally short term - with goals set for this year or 2013, with only about a fifth of top firms setting emission reduction goals for 2018 or later,
The UK will soon strengthen its carbon legislation, as it is going to include the recently agreed fourth carbon budget, setting the target of halving emissions by 2025, based on levels in 1990.
Apart from this firmer legislation, the companies are also all subject to Britain's Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Scheme, which segregates companies into a league, with the most energy efficient and hence least emitters at the top.
The Guardian referred to a recent Carbon Trust survey that revealed that 45 per cent of consumers admitted that they would avoid brands that had not take enough measures to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly half claiming they would likely choose low-carbon labelled goods, plus 21 percent said they would be happy to pay more for carbon-labelled products.
Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, is reported in the Guardian as saying: "The Government's decision to set a legally binding target on greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2020 makes it clear that the UK intends to be a global leader in the low carbon economy.
"Taken alongside increased consumer demand for low carbon products, 2011 is the year for businesses to develop strategies and set clear targets to help them plan and capitalise on green growth opportunities."
The report and article underline the importance of businesses improving their energy efficiency - revealing the fantastic opportunities for Enigin Distributors to grow their business. With ever increasing legislation, public pressure and the need to fulfill environmental targets decision makers need to consider cutting edge technology such as Enigin plc's superb range of solutions.
Picture of Canary Wharf from Greenwich © Copyright Nigel Freeman and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
