How will Climate Change Affect Your Business?

Climate change is a fact. It is happening now and it will have an impact on every business in every sector.  Reducing emissions makes good business sense, saving money and enhancing your company's reputation.

'It is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones who are most responsive to change'   -   Charles Darwin

Carbon emissions, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, are the prime cause of climate change. Around one half of the UK's carbon emissions come from the business sector. Every business has a part to play in combating climate change by reducing its carbon emissions.  Implementing no-cost and low-cost measures can result in a 20% reduction in energy use and can have the same effect on profitability as a 5% increase in sales.

20% reduction in energy use = 5% increase in sales.

The Carbon Trust helps business and the public sector cut carbon emissions through reduced energy use and supports the development of low carbon technologies.  Sustainability equals profitability; adopting green growth as a strategy can give your organisation a real competitive edge in these economically challenging times.  View tips for ways to benefit from green growth - case studies show the savings that can be made.

The Carbon Plan

'Climate change is probably the greatest threat to our way of life' David Miliband, former Environment Secretary

The Carbon Plan, first published in March 2011, is a Government-wide plan of action on climate change, including domestic and international activity.

It sets out department by department, actions and deadlines for the next five years.

The plan presents ongoing and planned cross-Government action on climate change with specific deadlines providing for both internal accountability and public transparency.

Low Carbon Buildings Programme

The DTI's Low carbon buildings programme will provide grants for microgeneration technologies for businesses, community organisations, schools, the public sector and householders. Microgeneration is the stand alone generation of low carbon heat and/or electricity which for example, could be through solar photovoltaics.