Information and Advice
Government Sources
This is
the government’s main agency for getting the climate change message across to
business. It concentrates on energy saving as the best way of reducing carbon
emissions and provides advice and preferential loans for the replacement of
plant with energy-saving technology. There are also research grants for new
energy-efficient techniques and products. The Carbon Trust is working on the
carbon labelling project with BSI, DEFRA and manufacturers including Walkers and
Boots. www.carbon-label.co.uk
 See
www.netregs.gov.uk for information
on the regulations controlling waste and recycling. The main site at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
covers all aspects of environmental management and includes a postcode search
where you can check your flood risk.
Another source of information for business on waste
management and general environmental good practice. Find them at
www.envirowise.gov.uk
The
Energy Saving Trust is aimed at consumers and provides public information,
exhibitions and conferences and free low-energy light bulbs. It manages the Low
Carbon Buildings Initiative, which provides grants for solar panels, heat pumps
and other types of micro-generation. The grant fund is very limited at present,
but more information is at
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Another
angle on the problem. The government announced that the whole of the public
sector procurement budget would be spent only with those suppliers who could
demonstrate sustainable business practices. This seems to be delayed for the
moment, but ISO 14001 and/or an environmental policy could become a condition
for tendering for public contracts.
BSI British Standards ISO 14001
is an internationally accepted standard that sets out how you can go
about putting in place an effective Environmental Management System
(EMS). The standard is designed to address the delicate balance between
maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact; with the
commitment of your entire organization, it can enable you to achieve
both objectives. www.bsi-global.com
The
2006 UK
Climate Change Programme is the UK’s key
strategy for its work
on tackling climate change. It sets out the policies and measures which
the UK is using to cut its emissions of greenhouse gases. It also
explains how the UK plans to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/index.htm
 “The
Department works to deliver a transport system which balances the
needs of
the
economy, the environment and society”
www.dft.gov.uk
The
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Formerly
Department of Trade) Extensive statistics on energy use and information
on nuclear power policy.
www.berr.gov.uk
 The voice
of industry experts who believe that decline and depletion is upon us.
www.peakoil.net
 A permanent
exhibition, training and research centre in Wales. Their online shop
provides a wide range of books and energy-efficient products.
www.cat.org.uk
 Check out
this device, which claims to save over 40% of your water consumption!
www.interflush.co.uk
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