Environmental Law

An amendment to the energy bill, encouraging the take up of renewable energy technologies, was defeated last week despite widespread support form MPS and organisations.
The amendment could have lead to the introduction of a feed-in tariff, which rewards renewable generators of electricity with a fixed price for electricity they supply to the grid.  This [...]

The big question is will any of the measures outlined by Mr Darling actually make any significant difference and will the revenues generated actually go towards improving the planet and climate change?
There were some impressive initiatives such as smart metering for medium businesses and the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading scheme. Are small [...]

More bureaucracy to save the planet is on the way.

The latest legislation to be affecting UK organisations are Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) From April 2008 onwards, organisations will be required to collect data to display their companies’ energy efficiency (according to building use and size). 
Are organisations ready for this legislation? 
Many are [...]

There have been fresh calls for a climate change minster to be appointed to help with the UKs fight against climate change.  Read more
Behind the calls are criticisms of timid use of environmental taxes such as the climate change levy. It is widely thought that these should be more widespread and have harsher financial implications. [...]

This month the launch of the Green Fiscal Commission to consider green taxes and other fiscal reforms for the UK. In particular, they will look at incentives for positive green behaviour through tax breaks and to provide disincentives to those undertaking negative behaviours.
The group, consisting of politicians, industry experts, regulators and headed by Robert [...]

What could this mean for your business? 
More organisations will become part of the Emissions Trading scheme and trade their carbon allowances. For businesses who manage their energy well this could be very lucrative. For those that do not very expensive. 
How can I make it lucrative? 
The Emissions Scheme works by measuring energy usage and converting [...]

A tougher and more comprehensive climate change bill is being put forward by Environment Minister Hilary Benn. The following measures are under serious consideration:
·    A new Carbon Trading scheme for large and medium-sized firms.
·    Expansion of the current Emissions Trading Scheme including UK industry and public sector organisations in addition to emissions from international aviation and shipping.
·    Appointment [...]