28/02/09
The Climate Change Act requires the government to publish guidance on measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enabling companies to report on emissions from their activities.
The water industry is well placed to measure and report on GHG emissions. However, in order to manage emissions, any new reporting requirements must streamline existing commitments, including those for the June Return, the Carbon Reduction Commitment and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
A public consultation is expected in May, with guidance issued in October. Although reporting will initially be voluntary, Defra will review this in 2010, with mandatory reporting possible from 2012.
While understanding the need to avoid double-counting the contribution of renewable energy to carbon reduction, it is important to recognise the role that such energy can play in reducing emissions and stimulating demand for clean energy.
Contact: Bruce Horton
