Latest news

18/05/2012 - Government Backs £1 Billion Drive for Low Carbon Procurement

The Government is to launch a new initiative designed to promote low-carbon procurement that could be worth up to £1 billion.

The initiative will be led by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and the Prince of Wales Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change. The aim of the scheme is to create additional demand for low- and zero-carbon products in three trial sectors: transport, renewable energy and catering.

The providers have identified a particular need for low-emission vehicles, offering similar range and refuelling capabilities as conventional vehicles. For example, BT has one of the largest vehicle fleets in Europe - but notes with other participants in the scheme that battery-powered electric vehicles are not suitable for a significant proportion of fleets.

Under the renewables aspect of the programme, the signatories indicate an interest in biomethane if it can be injected into the gas grid rather than having to be used where it is generated.

"The government has a key role to play in ensuring more effective supply chain engagement, and by signalling demand for low carbon innovation", said Business Secretary Vince Cable.

"We believe there is huge potential to use the purchasing power of the public and private sectors to simulate innovation and at the same time to deliver the benefits to the economy and the environment,”"said Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board.

Source: energyefficiencynews.com, 18/05/2012

News provided by j4bgrants.co.uk.