29 July 2005

‘Climate Change: set us on a pathway to 2050’
urge UK energy companies and green NGOs.

Chief Executives of the nine major UK energy companies have combined forces with the Executive Directors of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth to urge the Government to set a clear pathway to the 2050 target of a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

They have called on Government to use the review of the Climate Change Programme to implement ambitious and practical policies that set the direction for a low-carbon future.

In a joint letter to the Secretaries of State for DTI, Defra and for Transport, who are responsible for the Government’s review of the Climate Change Programme, the signatories call for “bold and practical” policies when tackling climate change. The letter states:

“Every part of Government and our economy must take responsibility for climate change in some way. Every possibility must be explored to reduce CO2 emissions. A bold and practical policy framework is required to change the fundamental trajectory of every sector in order to move to a low-carbon future…The current Review of the Climate Change Programme offers a clear opportunity to take such action.”

David Green, Chief Executive of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy comments:

“By bringing together this unique alliance of industry and NGOs, we are confirming our strong belief that through effective market based action and regulatory incentives, decisive action to tackle climate change is not only possible, but achievable”

The letter also identifies key areas within the energy sector where there is likely to be significant scope to deliver greater emissions reductions. Specifically, the priority areas they identify are:

1. Committing to Emissions Trading;

A full commitment to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme beyond 2012, and to the move towards a science-based, EU-wide cap.

2. Taking forward the energy efficiency agenda;

The adoption of new fiscal incentives to promote energy efficiency, enabling a new approach to the way energy is supplied, and driving innovation and investment in smart metering.

3. Delivering new localism;

Enabling a more localised energy generation system, while introducing and enforcing much tougher environmental regulation for the built environment.

ENDS

For further information please contact
David Green, Chief Executive of the UKBCSE on 07802 242487;
Justin Johnson, Head of Policy at the UKBCSE on 07890 997690;

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Notes to Editors:

1. The UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy (UKBCSE) was established in 2002 to facilitate progressive dialogue between business, NGOs and policy makers that aligns sustainability with good business practices. The Chief Executive is David Green OBE.

2. The joint letter to the Secretaries of State was signed by:
· Tony Juniper, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
· Stephen Tindale, Executive Director, Greenpeace UK
· Dr John Roberts CBE, Chairman, UKBCSE and Chief Executive, United Utilities
· Ian Marchant, Deputy Chairman UKBCSE and Chief Executive, Scottish and Southern Energy
· Charles Berry, Executive Director, Scottish Power
· Mark Clare, Managing Director, British Gas
· Andy Duff, Chief Executive, RWE npower
· Paul Golby, Chief Executive, E.ON UK
· Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive, EDF Energy
· Nick Winser, Chief Executive, National Grid Company.