New Climate Change Targets Welcomed But Concerns Over Government “Get Out Clause”

May 19, 2011 - PRLog -- The Government’s new climate change targets, which aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent from 1990 levels by 2025, have been welcomed by one of the UK’s leading boiler manufacturers.

However, the new targets, which have been unveiled as part of the fourth Carbon Budget, also include a clause which allows the Government to amend the targets in 2014 if other European Union countries are slower to implement carbon reduction measures.

Neil Schofield, Head of External and Governmental Affairs at Worcester, Bosch Group, commented:  “These targets are very ambitious and should be welcomed by the UK’s heating industry.  The Secretary of State talked about the issue of domestic heat in his announcement and is including heat generation in the Green Deal as a ‘desirable improvement’ which is a very positive move.”

However, Neil has cautioned that the proposals include a review in 2014 to ensure that the UK remains on a similar track to other European Union nations.  “My only concern is that the proposals include what is effectively a get-out clause which could slow implementation down.  The heating industry needs certainty over the long term and there will be some concern that the goalposts have the potential to move over the medium term.  The Government appears to have given itself a get out clause.”

He continued:  “The heating industry still has much to do to convince the Government that it can help deliver these targets.  There are 5,000 boiler replacements every day, which is 5,000 opportunities to sell a low carbon solution to the homeowner.  We need to be able to offer a whole-house solution including insulation, heat generation and renewables, not just relying on separate tradesmen to do their own bit.”

For more information visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk