Green scheme deadline

Today (September 30) is the deadline for thousands of businesses and organisations across the UK to sign up for the Government’s CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, which was created by Labour and implemented by the Coalition to reduce C0² emissions.

Formally known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), it will require approximately 4,000 UK businesses or public sector organisations that consume more than 6,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy a year producing a bill of around £500k to register its energy use by September 30 or face a possible fine.

Working as a financial ‘stick’, the scheme aims to reward organisations who make the biggest reductions but will punish those that fail by requiring them to purchase allowances for each tonne of C0² they produce, potentially running into tens of thousands of pounds.

Organisations taking part will have to monitor their own energy use but a unique programme called Carbon Management, which is part of the Cornwall College Business project Strengthening the Environment Sector (SES), will give businesses the necessary skills to develop their own specific strategy to improve energy efficiency and comply with all the Government requirements within the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Justin Olosunde, responsible for environmental goods and services at Cornwall College Business and who is leading the project, said: “The Carbon Management programme is designed specifically to help businesses and public sector agencies increase profit, skills and knowledge as well as avoid penalties for carbon output, which may be incurred through the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.

“This programme is the only one of its kind in the UK and although initially targeted at south west business and public sector agencies that require a carbon management strategy it is available across the country.”

The SES Carbon Management programme is aimed at larger organisations such a local authorities, government departments; regional, national and international businesses, hospitals, schools & colleges and tourism providers directly affected by the Government’s scheme.

The programme takes five days and can be delivered across the south west, tailored to suit the individual organisation’s needs. Funding support may be available subject to criteria.