Climate Change
Small Business needs information and support to meet costs of climate change
‘Radical legislation’ suggested by Joint Committee must not be not be a substitute for support and incentives Responding to the Joint Committee Report into the Climate Change Bill, the British Chambers of Commerce warns that carbon reduction ambitions will go unmet without a serious programme of support for small business. Accounting for over 50% of business energy use, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) offer the prospect of significantly contributing to carbon reduction targets, but lack information on energy efficiency measures, and support in meeting the costs of making them.
BCC Head of Policy Natalie Evans said: “Small business is acutely aware of energy efficiency priorities, and many firms are already taking significant steps. But to make their most effective contribution they need a stable legislative environment and a coherent set of support measures. We’re pleased then that the Joint Committee is supportive of five-yearly budgets, giving business the flexibility to meet targets over a reasonable period of time. We are particularly encouraged that the committee has highlighted issues around the membership of the new Committee on Climate Change.
Environmental issues impact on the whole of society and it is important that the committee reflects this. It is essential that business has significant representation on this body, and a say in any further legislation. However we note the lack of any statement for assistance of SMEs, who account for the majority of the business community. As it stands the Climate Change Bill lacks clarity over the legal enforceability of climate change reduction targets, making it unclear exactly what is expected of business. Much of the information and support available has so far been difficult for small businesses to access, as they lack the time and resources of larger companies. We call on the Government to refocus the work of environment agencies, ensuring that the needs of small businesses are not forgotten, and that their potential contribution is not lost through a disproportionate focus on big business.” Useful links -http://www.egeneration.co.uk/hants/index.asp
http://www.theclimatechangecharter.co.uk/index.asp
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