Hot Topics

Current environmental hot topics include:

Energy Performance Certificates - from 1st October if you are selling or renting/leasing a home or commercial property you will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate in place. This includes, amongst other things, an energy rating A-G similar to those already in existence for white goods. For more information visit http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/epc/.

Climate change - International consensus is that climate change is here. Its effects can already be seen in both seasonal weather changes and extreme weather events. These changes are largely man-made, the result of excessive energy consumption and the burning of fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide (CO2). This CO2 traps heat in the earth's atmosphere, raising temperatures. Other greenhouse gases such as methane have a part to play but CO2 accounts for 85% of emissions and are something that everyone can play a part in reducing.

For practical tips on how your business can play a vital role in combating climate change and reduce energy costs click to download Towards a Low Carbon Economy - the guide for businesses in Brighton & Hove 08

For more information about climate change visit:

http://www.climatesoutheast.org.uk/

http://www.ukcip.org.uk/

Low carbon technologies market could be worth £2,000 billion by 2030 - The UK is leading investment and innovation in low carbon technologies, attracting 41% of the total venture capital and private equity investment in low-carbon companies in the EU,
according to a new report. It estimates that the global low carbon energy market could reach £2,000 billion per annum by 2030, comparible to commodities such as wheat and steel today. SMEs are attracting a 43% share of this investment. To read the full report visit the Shell Springboard website.