Climate Change – Challenges Heat Up

On the 22nd of January 2014 the European Commission presented the pillars of the new EU framework on climate and energy for the period to 2030. These pillars are:

  • A reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% below the 1990 level
  • An EU-wide binding target for renewable energy of at least 27%
  • Renewed ambitions for energy efficiency policies
  • A new governance system and
  • A set of new indicators to ensure a competitive and secure energy system.

This framework sits as part of the longer term plan for Europe, including the UK, to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by at least 80%, from a 1990 baseline, by 2050. In the UK context the implementation of the GHG reductions is through the Climate Change Act 2008, which defines 5 key activities:

  • Setting national policy and strategy
  • Reducing the demand for energy and helping people and businesses to use energy more efficiently
  • Investing in low-carbon technologies
  • Publicly reporting carbon emissions from businesses and the public sector
  • Taking international action.

Initiatives associated with the Act that impact particularly with industry and those operating energy intensive plant, such as refrigeration systems include:

EU Emissions Trading System

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets/index_en.htm

Climate Change Agreements (CCA) Incorporating CCL

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/pollution/136236.aspx

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme

https://www.gov.uk/crc-energy-efficiency-scheme

Climate Change – Challenges Heat Up