Kyoto comes into force - UK commitment comes into question
The Kyoto Protocol is now in force across 35 industrialised countries. Those countries are now legally bound to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases to below 1990 levels by 2012. Controversy surrounds the US 's rejection of the Protocol, and the exclusion of rapidly developing countries such as China and India.
But following revelations that, on present plans, the UK will not meet its own self imposed targets combined with the Government offering companies an increased CO 2 allowance; the UK 's own commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is being questioned.
Despite this, the UK is in a unique position to deliver on an environmental platform through the G8 and EU presidencies and Blair's plans to put climate change at the heart of international debate.
The link between climate change and energy is well established. £5 billion worth of energy is wasted in the UK annually, and industry is being urged to lead the way towards a low-carbon future through improved energy management. As investors line up to inject funds into those organisations that demonstrate environmental awareness, energy management can no longer be confined to comparisons with past consumption levels. Investment in energy efficient technology is widely considered the best long-term objective.
In addition to Kyoto , the UK must now consider its participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the implementation of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Rising energy and gas prices (up to 70% over the past 12 months) will render UK industry uncompetitive and the complaints of the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) of an uneven playing field mean concerns are growing.
While many UK organisations have embraced the potential CO 2 savings offered by energy efficient technology, plenty are still reluctant to take the simple steps that will cut their energy consumption, reduce costs and enhance reputations. But the need for effective energy management has never been greater as the UK prepares to become a net importer of gas following three decades of self-sufficiency.
Combined with environmental considerations moving from marginal to mainstream however, the future for the industrial technology sector looks encouraging. Tax relief intended to promote and accelerate the development of low carbon technology adds impetus to an industry where the potential for innovation, scientific discovery, business investment and growth in energy saving technologies is enormous.
Professor Martin Fry, Chairperson of the Energy Systems Trade Association (ESTA) and chairing a day of seminars at the National Energy Management Exhibition and Conference (NEMEX, www.nemex-energy.co.uk ) says; “Energy efficiency plays a vital part in today's business economy. Making the most of resources either by consuming less or turning more to renewable supplies is vital, not simply for the business bottom line, but also for the sustainable future of society.”
Many professionals in the sector believe that the cheapest, cleanest and safest way of addressing energy policy objectives while enhancing corporate reputations is to develop and invest in energy efficient technology.
So, are we on our way to a carbon neutral future? As Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt points out; “The UK has world class research strengths in the science underpinning energy efficient technology. We must capitalise on those strengths to continue the transition to a low carbon economy.”
In addition to showcasing the latest technologies, renewables, the EU trading scheme, rising energy costs, financial support and the energy performance of buildings will be discussed at NEMEX - the National Energy Management Exhibition and Conference ( www.nemex-energy.co.uk , 24 to 26 May at the NEC).
For more information, contact:
At the Consultancy:
Camilla Anderson
IMS
0117 9293041
camilla.anderson@imsplc.com
Editors' notes: NEMEX is s upported by the Energy Systems Trade Association, the Energy Institute, Renewable Power Association, the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association, the National Energy Foundation and the Major Energy Users' Council. Visitors can log on for up-to-the-minute news on exhibitors, conferences and seminars and to register for the show at www.nemex-energy.co.uk . Alternatively, companies wishing to exhibit at NEMEX, from the 24 to the 26 May at the NEC, phone Liz White on 020 8651 7168. NEMEX is co-located with the UK 's leading environmental technology exhibition, ET, and the UK 's only contaminated land exhibition, International Clean Up (ICU). People interested in ET or ICU should call John Taylor on 01332 694 532 or visit the websites www.et-expo.com or www.international-cleanup.com .
Faversham House Group is a privately owned business media company and organises 20 b2b exhibitions in both the UK and Ireland , covering the environment; HVAC; highways, traffic and transport management; civil engineering and visual communications markets. FHG also publishes 14 b2b magazines in the environment, home improvement and building services industries and has an award-winning environmental web site www.edie.net
ET 2005, ICU 2005 and NEMEX 2005 are running from the 24 th to the 26 th May at the NEC in Birmingham.
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