09 Apr 2009 05:04:03
CBI issues climate change roadmap
A realistic definition of 'zero carbon' for buildings, approval of the Severn Barrage and improving industrial use of renewable energy are among the new recommendations issued by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
In a new strategy document entitled Going the Distance, the CBI has set out four roadmaps for achieving the government's target of an 80 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
It includes recommendations for the transport, power, industry and buildings sectors.
John Cridland, CBI deputy director-general, said that following the practical steps outlined in the roadmaps would ensure the UK met its climate change targets, secured an energy supply and made a transition to a low carbon economy.
Cars should be fitted with dashboards that indicate when to change gear to conserve fuel, while all homes and businesses should get smart meters, according to the roadmaps.
Mr Cridland added: "Achieving all of this in the ambitious timeframe that has been set will require massive investment of private capital, much of it from abroad.
"But this will only be forthcoming if there is certainty about the direction of government policy, a robust price for carbon, a clear planning and regulatory structure, the right regime for tax and intellectual property and the skills that will be needed to bring all this new kit to market."
Earlier this year, the CBI urged companies to prepare to comply with the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), set to come into force in 2010.
The CRC will apply to companies that have electricity bills of around £1,000,000 a year.
http://climatechange.cbi.org.uk/reports/
