UK energy-saving business opportunities could arise following new consultation
Universities in England could step up investment in energy-saving products and put in place conservation projects as a result of new proposals on how they can help in cutting carbon emissions.
The Higher Education Funding Council for England has launched a new consultation into the proposals, which state that the institutions should cut their emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
Universities would be required not only to put in place conservation programmes, but also to invest in energy-saving products that can help them cut power usage within their estates, which could result in business opportunities for companies.
Commenting, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Lord Mandelson said that the results of the consultation "will be awaited with enormous interest".
"Universities can play a vital role in our economic recovery, especially in advancing a strategy for real and lasting change in order to reduce our carbon footprint.
Welcoming the development, Richard Rugg of the UK Carbon Trust said it "will encourage universities and colleges to focus on the practical details of how they are going to cut their carbon".
