July 2005
British Industry Cuts Carbon Emissions By 14.4 Million Tonnes
Defra has released new statistics on its climate change agreements (CCAs) which it says show British industry has cut it's carbon dioxide emissions by 14.4 million tonnes last year, that is more than double the target set by government.
This figure exceeds the minimum signed up under the Climate Change Agreements (CCAs) by 8.9 million. CCAs are ten-year energy - efficiency agreements which give firms an 80% discount on their climate change levy if they meet emissions targets. CCAs are a major part of UK efforts to cut carbon emissions and were forecast to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 8.5 million tonnes by 2010.
The government signed CCAs in 2001 with 44 sectors representing more than 5000 companies operating more than 12,000 individual facilities, including the UK's most energy-intensive manufacturers such as steel, aluminium, cement, chemicals, paper and food and drink producers.
The results published show:
- 14.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were cut in total
- 38 out of 42 sectors had all facilities recertified to continue to claim climate change levy discount
- 98% of sites (10,100) met targets and have had climate change levy discounts renewed
- continued improvement across all sectors
- that the steel sector continues to beat targets despite increased output
- the biggest absolute cuts were achieved by steel, aluminium, cement and chemicals, and these together with the paper and food and drink sectors also made the biggest improvements in energy efficiency
Elliot Morley, Minister for Climate Change and Environment has said
"The contribution needed from industry to help us meet total emissions cut targets and energy efficiency goals is considerable, but already companies are reaping the rewards of cost effective, low-carbon measures and they have proved they are prepared to play a big part in combating climate change."
Despite the drop in industrial emissions, critics of the government's policies on climate change were quick to denounce them.
"What these figures show is that while industry is getting its act together, the government is failing lamentably in the areas where it is responsible such as transport," said Norman Baker MP, Lib Dem Shadow Environment spokesman.
"There was still a massive increase in emissions last year which blows a hole through the government's climate change strategy."
He said the latest figures mean there is little chance of the UK reaching its on 20% reduction target for 2010 and called for the Prime Minister to come forward with policies to secure significant reductions.
If you would like to discuss how Pro Enviro could help you join the companies helping the UK meet its climate change commitments through better energy management and business improvement, contact Steve Stones on 024 76 323 260.
Print this page