Energy News

Businesses Fear Carbon Reduction Commitment

Thursday 14 February, 2008

By Denae D’Arcy

Businesses in the UK say government regulations to reduce carbon emissions will make it difficult to compete in the world market.

Leading energy supplier npower (www.npower.com) has conducted a survey of its business customers, and found that many believe the government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) would make the UK markets uncompetitive. Almost two-thirds say the costs of cutting down carbon emissions outweigh the benefits.

Paul Coffey, managing director of npower, expressed disillusion at what he sees as a game of climate change hot potato between businesses and the government:

"Businesses have faced a raft of new legislations in recent years, so it is understandable that they may feel the responsibility to reduce carbon dioxide is being placed at their door."

Mr. Coffey also described how businesses will only make carbon reduction a priority when ‘low carbon outputs become evermore linked with strong financial performance.’

From those surveyed by npower, 88% support the government’s commitment to carbon dioxide reduction, despite their reservations. UK citizens and environmental lobby groups say the government is not doing enough to cut down on harmful emissions.

Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk says:

“These measures, while good for the environment will put a strain on businesses in the UK. The price of energy is quite high but sometimes moving to a greener business can be costly as well. Hopefully, once a financially viable model has been agreed between businesses and the government, UK businesses will consider making their daily operations more carbon neutral.”

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