BSI comments on the impact of the UK Spending Review on UK plc's Carbon Reducion Commitment
PRESS BRIEFING
21 October 2010
BSI comments on the impact of the UK Spending Review on UK plc’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Organisations urged to focus on 30% savings in energy costs
LONDON – 22 October, 2010 – The UK coalition government’s spending review announced on 21st October largely protects environmental investment but significant changes to the CRC scheme will impact those organisations that have already signed up.
Specifically, scheme contributions are to be put towards reducing the UK’s public finances - instead of being recycled to scheme participants as originally planned.
In addition the first allowance sales for 2011-12 emissions are now planned for 2012 rather than 2011.
BSI is urging UK businesses that have obligations under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme to focus on the potential for savings of around 30% in their energy use; significant savings for any business in the current financial climate. Despite changes to the scheme, which alter the primary incentives, taking a systematic approach to energy reduction can help businesses achieve longer term benefits.
Key to achieving these savings is the accurate measurement and verification of energy usage. The BSI Kitemark scheme for Energy Reduction Verification (ERV) has been designed specifically with CRC requirements in mind so that only greenhouse gas emissions from energy usage are taken into account. As such it offers one of the simplest Early Action Metrics available.
The Kitemark ERV scheme is based on the European Standard BS EN 16001, which has the unique advantage of using a management systems based approach to support the human and organizational cultural aspects of energy efficiency initiatives to drive down energy use, and therefore costs, systematically year on year.
Rob Wallis, BSI Managing Director, EMEA Region comments: “These changes do not materially diminish the scope for substantial financial gain and energy management saves businesses a significant amount of money. It remains firmly in the interest of UK plc to engage fully with the CRC scheme on a financial as well as environmental level, especially in what we are told will be more challenging times. We have noticed a considerable uptake of the Kitemark scheme from businesses keen to meet the scheme requirements in the simple and credible manner.”
For further information on the BSI Kitemark® scheme for Energy Reduction Verification (ERV) please email certification.sales@bsigroup.com, telephone 08450 0800 9000 or visit the Kitemark ERV webpage.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About BSI Group
BSI Group is a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to over 80,000 customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world’s first national standards body, BSI has over 2,500 staff operating in over 140 countries through more than 50 global offices. BSI’s key offerings are:
- The development and sale of private, national and international standards and supporting information that promote and share best practice
- Second and third-party management systems assessment and certification in all critical areas of management disciplines
- Testing and certification of services and products for Kitemark® and CE marking to UK, European and international standards. BSI is a Notified Body for 15 New Approach EU Directives.
- Certification of high-risk, complex medical devices
- Performance management software solutions
- Supply chain security solutions which identify and mitigate risks in supply chains
- Training services in support of standards implementation and business best practice.
BSI and Kitemark® were both voted UK Business Superbrands in 2010, by independent brand experts.
For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com
Contact:
Claire Lynam,
Head of Communications & Alliances, BSI
Tel: 08450 765600
claire.lynam@bsigroup.com
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Email: james@henley.co.uk
