How does policy and legislation affect my business? 

Business and public sector policy

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC)

Coming into effect in 2010, organisations that have used more than 6,000 MWh of electricity in 2008 (equivalent to an annual electricity bill of about £500,000) will have to purchase and surrender allowances each year to cover their CO2 emissions.

Read about the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme - how it works and how it will affect your business.

Building Regulations

Buildings are responsible for 40% of UK emissions, making Building Regulations and energy certificates vital tools in reducing emissions across business and public sector.

Feed-in tariff

Feed-in tariffs (FITs) provide a financial incentive for businesses to make use of small-scale renewable technologies. Small-scale low carbon electricity generators will receive payment for electricity produced and for the excess exported to the grid.

Additionally, for energy-intensive industries

EU Emissions Trading Scheme

Puts a cap on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by business and creates a market and price for carbon allowances, or

Climate Change Agreements/Climate Change Levy

The Climate Change Levy applies a tax on energy bills across the business and public sector to encourage energy efficiency.

Renewable Energy Strategy

The Renewable Energy Strategy defines how the UK aims to increase the amount of energy it gets from renewables to 15%, by 2020.

Carbon Journey planner Once you've addressed how policy and legislation affects your organisation, take the next steps on your carbon journey: measure your energy use and find out about carbon footprinting.