Enigin Update - Big Business calls for Tougher EU Emission Reductions
OVER 70 major companies have called on the European Union (EU) to increase its 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to 30 percent.
The declaration has been orchestrated by WWF, The Climate Group and the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership, has been signed by such corporations as British Telecom (BT), Coca-Cola, Google, Marks & Spencer, Eurostar, IKEA, John Lewis, Nike and Unilever, as well as energy companies Centrica, DONG Energy, and Scottish and Southern Energy.
Just these companies alone account for over 3.8 million employees and a combined turnover of more than €1 trillion – larger than the GDPs of Poland, Sweden and Austria.
The declaration is calling for a European policy framework to drive innovation and investment in energy efficiency and renewables.
WWF cited research stating that increasing the EU’s emission reduction target will cut oil and gas imports by €45.5 billion in 2020.
Keith Allott, head of climate change at WWF-UK said: "Sticking with the current EU 20 percent target would simply perpetuate a cycle of low ambition that will inevitably lead to dangerous climate change. The 30 percent target is a no-regrets position for Europe’s economy, and it is logical to move to it now."
The call from these powerful businesses and organisations comes ahead of two crucial votes next week on a proposal to up the existing 20 percent target by the EU Environment Council and the European Parliament. Several countries, including the UK, France and Germany, have led the drive for a higher emission reduction target.
Chris Huhne, UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, welcomed the move, said: "More and more businesses now realise that Europe’s future prosperity lies in a low carbon economy. There is a danger that the current lack of resolve from the EU will put a brake on the growth aspirations of some of Europe’s biggest firms."
Despite the positive reaction, many southern and eastern European nations, many of whom are dependent upon carbon-intensive industries, oppose the declaration.
European based Enigin Distributors are happy to see further progress and calls from commerce and industry for improvement in energy efficiency, particularly as they are armed with energy efficiency solutions from Enigin.
