SMMT & RMI CO2 advice
May 25th, 2010 by Richard Aucock
SMMT and RMI experts have teamed up to help car dealers navigate the maze of new CO2 emissions red tape.
The government Carbon Reduction Commitment initiative went live in April and is set to affect many UK car dealers.
It applies to any business using more than £500k of electricity every year, and offers financial incentives to businesses who cut their energy consumption.
However, from next year, there will be financial penalties for those who DO NOT cut CO2 emissions from energy!
What’s more, the criteria defining how franchised businesses are dealt with is complex. This is why the SMMT and RMI have teamed up to lay out advice.
Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘While initially complicated, the Carbon Reduction Commitment incentivises dealerships to reduce their energy use and effectively cut their costs.
‘Vehicle manufacturers and franchised dealers will have to work closely over the next 12 months to improve their energy efficiency and this can only result in better working relationships within the industry.’
Sue Robinson, RMI director, added: ‘Industry is still to establish how many dealers will be included in the scheme to identify the full impact the Carbon Reduction Commitment could have on the retail network.
‘Cutting energy consumption will reduce costs and improve the environmental footprint of dealerships but it is important that we take this opportunity to ensure both the franchised network and vehicle manufacturers are aware of their responsibilities under the scheme.’
The Environmental Agency has helped, by producing a case study that’s relevant to car dealers. It can be found on the EA website.
There is also a government advice section on the complexities of the new CRC legislation.
Tags: carbon capping, CO2, ea, environment, government, green, rmi, SMMT