The impact of climate change in the UK

Under the Kyoto Protocol, by 2008-2012 the UK must reduce it's baseline emissions of six major greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent from a baseline target set in 1990. Furthermore, the draft Climate Change Bill commits the UK to reductions in CO2 emissions of at least 26% by 2020 and a long term goal of an 80% reduction by 2050 has been set by the Government.

What the Government is doing or has done:
•Introduced the Climate Change Bill, commiting the UK to reducing CO2 emissions. This bill is currently in draft form but is expected to pass into law during 2008.
•Introduced mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for the sale/purchase of homes. By October 2008, all properties when bought, sold, built or rented will require an EPC.
•Working with energy suppliers who, through the Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) which replaced the Energy Efficiency Commitment, provide support to householders to help them improve the efficiency of their homes.
•Introduced the Climate Change Levy whereby businesses pay an additional tax on their energy use, unless exempted by their use of renewable energy.
•Introducing a Renewables Obligation; so that all electricity suppliers must provide 10% of the electricity they sell from renewable sources by 2010.
•Lowering VAT from 17.5% to 5% on some energy saving materials (insulation and heating controls), if they are fitted by professional installers.
•Funding microgeneration grant schemes to the amount of £80 million. This includes the Low Carbon Buildings Programme which provides grants towards installing microgeneration technologies.
•Encouraging local authority planning departments to adopt microgeneration targets for new buildings.
•Councils can sign up to the Nottingham declaration which shows their commitment to tackling climate change. Over 160 had signed up on the last count and this figure is continuing to rise.
•A number of councils have made a commitment to tackle climate change, including improving the energy performance of their properties and running local campaigns.
What business is doing
•During 2005-06, lifetime savings of approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO 2 were achieved through the Energy Saving Trust transport programmes. These programmes included working with around 200 companies to help them improve their transport behaviour.
•We work with the building industry to help improve the energy efficiency standards that are used in housing through the best practice programme.
•The Carbon Trust is working with businesses across the UK to help them reduce their carbon emissions