Wednesday 12 October 2011

UK will miss carbon targets unless drastic action is taken

Decarbonising businesses and households is a simple solution to tackling our emissions, but one that Government hasn't been brave enough to implement. According to a panel speaking at the Energy Solutions Expo in London today, our current crop of politicians are more concerned with winning votes in the short term and not dealing with long term climate issues.

Cal Bailey, Sustainability Director at NG Bailey said short-termism was having a negative impact on business: "Government vote winning strategies act as a barrier for investment. Financial solutions need long term groundwork from long term governments."

Mr Bailey added that specific targets had to be put in place and that shying away from a defined strategy would result in the UK missing its carbon targets. He gave the example of labelling the UK's ageing building stock in an attempt to 'name and shame' businesses: "Companies should have to display an energy certificate on their walls with their carbon footprint rated. Businesses could then be proud of an 'A' rating."

Angus Robertson (pictured), CEO of powerPerfector agreed that time was of the essence: "80% of existing buildings will still be around in 2050. We have to retrofit. There are many things that can be done, but we have to do them now. It is not a question of whether we commit to sustainability, but how?"