The latest news from Greenkeepers http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com Sun, 5 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/Images/imgLogoRSS.jpghttp://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/news.asp There are just 50 days left until the end of registration for the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC). In a recent press release from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, organisations are urged to register now: currently only 1,229 of the organisations required to register have done so. Launched in April 2010 the CRC requires large organisations to register by 30th September this year. The CRC will help to ensure that organisations contribute to the UK’s national emissions reductions of at least 34% on 1990 levels by 2020 through improved energy efficiency. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-27-50-days-left-for-businesses-to-register-for-carbon-cutting-scheme.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-27-50-days-left-for-businesses-to-register-for-carbon-cutting-scheme.asp Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK In a recent Greenkeepers survey, 100% of respondents said they believed that their business would be required to report its carbon emissions by regulations introduced within 5 years. 90.4% cited being prepared for these regulations is an important reason to become carbon neutral now. For more information http://greenkeepers.eu.com/contact-us.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-26-survey-results-uk-businesses-expect-carbon-reporting-within-5-years.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-26-survey-results-uk-businesses-expect-carbon-reporting-within-5-years.asp Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers Cut carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 - by signing up to an ambitious project that aims to cut society's emissions, organisations can pledge their commitment to reduce their emissions by 10% in 2010. To learn about 10:10 http://www.1010global.org/uk/ To become carbon neutral http://greenkeepers.eu.com/contact-us.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-25-greenkeepers-supports-the-1010-campaign.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-25-greenkeepers-supports-the-1010-campaign.asp Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT greenkeepers Greenkeepers recently supported a national ski competition, organised by Telford Ski Club. The event was a great success and a brief video of the day is available http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iL2cHIobSY http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-24-supporting-the-2010-telford-club-national.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-24-supporting-the-2010-telford-club-national.asp Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers Yesterday's budget sets out measures to reduce emissions within industry, government and households. These include assessing the energy tax framework and incorporating carbon pricing, bringing forward relevant legislation into the Finance Bill 2011. Previous plans with regard to emissions-based amendments to vehicle taxation have also been confirmed. For more detail on the budget http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2010_june_budget.htm To start reducing your organisation's carbon footprint and future business expenditure http://greenkeepers.eu.com/contact-us.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-23-the-budget-shaping-the-move-toward-a-lowcarbon-economy.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-23-the-budget-shaping-the-move-toward-a-lowcarbon-economy.asp Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK In a recent speech Charles Hendry, Minister for Energy, outlined the carbon challenge facing the UK and emphasized that decarbonizing society is amongst the biggest issues for the coalition government. He explained that on top of meeting our international commitments on climate change, reducing the use of carbon in businesses and homes is essential for economic stability and energy security. For the full story http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/hendry8jun2010/hendry8jun2010.aspx http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-22-reducing-carbon-is-key-to-economic-stability-and-energy-security.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-22-reducing-carbon-is-key-to-economic-stability-and-energy-security.asp Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK Marks and Spencer says that “Plan A” generated over £50 million profit this year. Plan A, which sets a target for the retail giant to become carbon neutral in 2012, has already delivered substantial cost savings. The recent announcement http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/documents/publications/2010/How_We_Do_Business_Report_2010 details that this was in part due to a 19% energy efficiency in stores. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-21-ms-cuts-carbon-and-cuts-costs.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-21-ms-cuts-carbon-and-cuts-costs.asp Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK The England football team has used Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) to offset their flights to the world cup in South Africa, according to the Department of Energy & Climate Change in a recent press release. The CERs were used to offset the flights to the world cup tournament and also to training grounds in Austria. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-20-england-world-cup-team-uses-cer-offsets.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-20-england-world-cup-team-uses-cer-offsets.asp Thu, 3 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK According to the Carbon Trust, the average UK office wastes £6k in electricity costs by leaving equipment on over weekends and bank holidays. By checking that all unnecessary equipment is turned off at close of business each day, organisations can save significant costs and reduce their carbon footprint. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-19-the-average-office-wastes-6000-per-year-over-weekends.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-19-the-average-office-wastes-6000-per-year-over-weekends.asp Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers Answer 5 quick questions and help us raise awareness. To take part http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YFMN6PH/ http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-18-take-part-in-our-awareness-survey.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-18-take-part-in-our-awareness-survey.asp Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers The recently unveiled plans to make a higher proportion of tax revenues from environmental taxes, coupled with the recently introduced Carbon Reduction Commitments for large businesses and increasing energy costs means the smart move now is to prepare for the future. By introducing carbon reporting and reduction now, businesses can take a strategic approach to future economic and regulatory developments. Carbon neutrality is an ideal way to do this, whilst delivering an objective environmental credential now. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-15-businesses-prepare-for-the-future-by-cutting-emissions-now.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-15-businesses-prepare-for-the-future-by-cutting-emissions-now.asp Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers The new UK government has announced it will push the EU to move to a higher target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, it has announced in the new government coalition document. It will urge the EU to cut emissions by 30% from 1990 levels by 2020, rather than the current 20% target, partly through more support for renewables. The recent recession has lowered emissions, representing an opportunity to set a higher target. The UK would seek to meet its share of the 30% target through the scaling up of renewable energy and the introduction of feed-in tariffs, encouraging early adoption of technologies that at present cost more than fossil-fuel generation. The government will also seek to set a minimum price for carbon. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-14-uk-government-to-push-eu-for-even-further-emissions-reductions.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-14-uk-government-to-push-eu-for-even-further-emissions-reductions.asp Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK Tomorrow, the Carbon Reduction Commitments (CRCs) take effect. Introduced under the Climate Change Act, they require around 5,000 large businesses in the UK to purchase carbon credits to cover their emissions and to progressively reduce these on an annual basis, with financial penalties for poor performance. According to the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8597902.stm, in a recent survey by NPower, 93% of businesses either did not understand their requirements under the regulation or had not received sufficient advice. Meanwhile the UK Government admits that 22% of respondents to their own survey had not taken steps to prepare. Pricewaterhouse Coopers research has identified that companies who are on top of their emissions can reduce their energy bills by 8%, versus the 20% increases that will be seen by those who do not take steps to manage and reduce their emissions. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-17-carbon-reduction-commitments-coming-into-effect-lessons-to-learn.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-17-carbon-reduction-commitments-coming-into-effect-lessons-to-learn.asp Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK Greenkeepers has measured its emissions for its first year of operations, reduced those emissions going forward and offset the remainder with CERs to reach a status of carbon neutrality for it’s entire business operations. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-12-greenkeepers-is-of-course-carbon-neutral.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-12-greenkeepers-is-of-course-carbon-neutral.asp Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers Greenkeepers has recently helped small businesses measure their carbon footprint, develop a carbon reduction strategy and offset the residual emissions to become carbon neutral. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-13-carbon-neutrality-is-not-just-for-the-large-companies.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-13-carbon-neutrality-is-not-just-for-the-large-companies.asp Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greenkeepers Speaking at the House of Commons yesterday, Secretary of State for Environment and Climate Change, Ed Miliband has said that carbon reporting for UK businesses could be brought in before 2012. There are a variety of initiatives being brought in to play by both businesses, domestic and international policy, and Miliband acknowledged that small and medium-sized businesses are seeking clarity on how and when the Copenhagen communiqué might become legally binding for them. Miliband also mentioned that the government is working on green investment banks and increased renewable energy. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-6-carbon-reporting-for-uk-businesses-could-be-brought-in-before-2012.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-6-carbon-reporting-for-uk-businesses-could-be-brought-in-before-2012.asp Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT UK US president Barack Obama has emphasised in his state of the union speach, that tackling climate change is a key strategic issue to the USA and will be the subject of increasing regulation, with increased funding for clean technologies. Full story http://www.aip.org/fyi/2010/009.html http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-16-obama-emphasises-us-movement-on-environmental-issues.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-16-obama-emphasises-us-movement-on-environmental-issues.asp Sat, 9 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT International A survey of US business carried out by Environmental Leader has identified that 82% of businesses intend to increase their spend on green advertising, with the majority of marketers agreeing that it was effective, a view echoed by key decision makers within businesses. The survery also identified that firms struggled to communicate their “greenness” to customers, fearing that customers perceived them as less environmentally friendly than they actually are. For the full article http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/01/07/82-of-firms-plan-to-boost-green-marketing-spending/ http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-10-businesses-are-spending-more-on-environmental-marketing.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-10-businesses-are-spending-more-on-environmental-marketing.asp Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT International A carbon tax is likely to be introduced in France, with the government aiming for this year. It was rejected by parliament in its original form, criticised for primarily addressing fuel and cars. The redrafted bill is now industry-focussed in its application, with largest polluters being hit hardest. Read the full article http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/01/06/large-polluters-would-pay-more-in-revised-version-of-french-carbon-tax/ http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-11-france-to-introduce-carbon-tax.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-11-france-to-introduce-carbon-tax.asp Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT International The International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), has reviewed the Copenhagen outcome and the verdict is positive, seeing solid steps forward in international cooperation, albeit accompanied by a few steps backward in areas of cooperation. The IETA observes that Heads of State are engaged and negotiating: this has become recognised as one of the defining issues of our time for world leaders, not just Environment Ministers. The biggest polluters are lining up as the key parties for future negotiations and the developed world is putting “serious money on the table”, whilst advanced developing countries are putting forward ambitious plans for domestic mitigation. IETA understandably sees the shift away from quantified emissions reductions back to notions of future temperatures as a step backwards, along with resuming national pledges with common monitoring. They conclude that cutting carbon is still the smart business objective, whether the carbon is in existing operations, new technologies or international projects. Economic fundamentals, including domestic carbon pricing (firmly established through national law), “ought still to drive business propositions”. For the full story www.ieta.org http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-7-cutting-carbon-the-smart-business-objective-post-copenhagen.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-7-cutting-carbon-the-smart-business-objective-post-copenhagen.asp Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT International UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed a US-backed climate deal in Copenhagen as an "essential beginning". However he also added that the accord, reached with key nations including China and Brazil, must be made legally binding next year. For the full article http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8422133.stm http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-9-un-secretary-general-welcomes-climate-deal-in-copenhagen.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-9-un-secretary-general-welcomes-climate-deal-in-copenhagen.asp Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT International The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Business Link have launched a new service for small businesses (otherwise unaffected by Copenhagen legislative requirements): ‘Act on Copenhagen’. UK Carbon Reduction Commitments (CRC) currently only affect businesses with the largest energy spend. This leaves room for a multitude of voluntary actions for carbon reduction, as well as getting familiar with accounting for carbon in an increasingly carbon-focussed world. They say that businesses can save significant expense through energy efficiency measures and directly benefit their bottom line. Additionally, customers - both businesses and consumers – are increasingly sensitive to environmental impacts when making purchases. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-8-smes-and-environmental-action.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-8-smes-and-environmental-action.asp Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT UK Over the past two weeks, the heavy snowfall in the UK has prompted ridicule of global warming – albeit mostly tongue in cheek. Dr Richard Betts, head of climate impacts at the Met Office Hadley Centre, has reacted with concern that the misuse and misunderstanding of the science behind both the causes and effects of climate change can hamper efforts to tackle climate change. He stresses the importance of not confusing “weather” with “climate” and points out that we should not focus on a single weather event in the UK, rather look to longer-term global trends. Last year was the fifth warmest on record, with the four years with higher global temperatures being 2002, 2003, 2005 and 1998. http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-5-recent-weather-climate-change-or-global-warming.asp http://www.greenkeepers.eu.com/dyn-news-5-recent-weather-climate-change-or-global-warming.asp Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT UK