WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Environment Agency - Big brands sign up to low carbon diet
Tea, cake, chips, baked beans and beer will soon come with less added carbon, as big brands such as Tetley, Heinz, Greggs Bakery, Samuel Smith’s Brewery and McCain Foods commit to cutting energy use in a drive to reduce carbon emissions.
These firms are just a handful of hundreds of household names that have signed up to the Government’s CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, aimed at making some of Britain’s most energy-hungry organisations more energy-efficient and help meet carbon reduction targets.
And it’s not just food on the supermarket shelves that’s going 'lower carbon' - having a snack or drink at your local hotel, restaurant or bar could soon come with less carbon too as chains such as Hilton Worldwide, McDonalds, Nando’s and Punch Taverns commit to the carbon diet.
Around four thousand organisations are required to participate in the mandatory scheme by 30 September, report on their energy use and eventually buy carbon allowances for every ton of CO2 they emit. The scheme will also place these organisations in a national league table of energy performance, allowing consumers to see which of their favourite brands are winning the battle of the carbon bulge and which are lagging behind.
To date:
- 1698 of around 4,000 organisations required to register have done so and the Environment Agency is urging those yet to register not to leave it to the last minute
- Current registrations cover the equivalent energy use of over one third of UK homes
- The scheme will reduce carbon emissions and save organisations money through reduced energy bills – benefiting the economy by at least £1billion by 2020
- The Carbon Trust calculates that by simply turning lights off in areas that aren’t being used, businesses could shave 15 per cent off their energy bills
Tony Grayling, Head of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the Environment Agency, said: “We know from a recent survey into awareness of the scheme that over 90% of organisations know about the CRC and that those that haven’t registered already are preparing to do so. Through our helpdesk and network of CRC advisers, we are helping organisations ensure they sign up on time with the most accurate data possible.
“We hope that by working with businesses to help them through the registration process, there will be no need to fine anyone for non-compliance. New legislation can be daunting, but there is help available for everyone who needs it.”
Greg Barker, Energy and Climate Change Minister, said: “This new Coalition Government wants to boost energy efficiency in business because we know that saving energy saves money. The CRC will encourage significant savings through greater energy efficiency and importantly will make carbon a boardroom issue for many large organisations.
“My message to businesses today is to register now. I understand the original complexity of the scheme may have deterred some organisations and I want to hear suggestions as to how we can make the scheme simpler in the future.”
By signing up, large organisations are playing their part in helping the UK meet its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
Director of Corporate Affairs at Heinz Nigel Dickie said: "Heinz is committed to cutting carbon emissions and confident of making further progress in becoming more energy-efficient. CRC provides another incentive to do the right thing in creating a low carbon economy."
Simon Vincent, Area President Europe at Hilton Worldwide, said: "Hilton Worldwide is fully committed to acting in a responsible and sustainable manner and supports schemes which encourage other businesses to do the same."
The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is administered across the UK by the Environment Agency. The scheme is regulated by the Environment Agency in England and Wales, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland.
A full list of organisations signed up to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is available here.
For further information on the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme visit. Organisations affected by CRC can also contact the Environment Agency for more information on 08708 506 506 or at crchelp@environment-agency.gov.uk or the SEPA helpdesk on crc@sepa.org.uk.
