Higher carbon pricing 'could boost environmental management'

04 November 2011

Posted by Michelle Devonshire

Greater investment in environmental management could be seen if carbon pricing levels were raised.

This is the claim made by the Energy Services and Technology Association (ESTA), which has suggested that increasing the cost of emissions would encourage greater investment in solutions aimed at reducing them.

Executive Director of ESTA, Alan Aldridge, explained the current rate is "far too cheap" to stimulate widespread spending on technology as part of environmental management strategies.

Speaking at an event run by the industry organization in Manchester, he proposed a rise from around €11 (£9.40) per tonne at present to a figure closer to €50.

"Our assumption is that at some point over the last couple of years, British industry has found it more economic to go and buy emissions [permits] than to reduce them," Mr Aldridge explained, stressing the need for the UK to do more to cut carbon dioxide emissions in order to meet climate change goals.

His remarks follow comments made to the Renewable UK conference recently by Chris Huhne, Britain's Energy and Climate Change Secretary, that it is important for industry to "carry on making the case for renewables" and to ensure that new schemes are built.

One way in which the UK's carbon emissions could be reduced is through the Green Deal, which will provide the construction industry with "great opportunities", it has been predicted.

Brian Berry, Federation of Master Builders Director of External Affairs, explained that take-off could initially be slow, but the scheme is likely to gain momentum and could assist companies in their environmental management strategies by reducing carbon emissions from buildings.

The Green Deal is aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of businesses and homes across the UK by providing support for those seeking improvements. It is expected to affect thousands of buildings across the country and reduce power bills.