CBI's 'low carbon roadmap' calls for improved technology, dashboard indicators
Mon 06 April 2009
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The CBI’s 'low-carbon roadmap', published in April, highlights steps to be taken between now and 2020, in power, transport, buildings and industry, to reduce carbon emissions and open up business opportunities from roof insulation to nuclear power, from smart meters to electric cars. The report advocates that more efficient cars with low resistance tyres should be fitted with better dashboard indicators of fuel consumption also providing guidance on driving style.
The CBI suggests that the transport industry should cut emissions by manufacturing more efficient cars with more advanced hybrid or electric engines and low resistance tyres. By 2012 cars should also be fitted with a display on the dashboard showing real time fuel consumption and telling the driver when to change gear in order to save on fuel.
The CBI’s 'roadmap' is intended to show how we can act now to secure the benefits of a green recovery and the rewards of a sustainable future.The report says that business is ready and able to respond to the low-carbon challenge but, now more than ever, confidence is vital and so business expects the government to set the pace through its purchasing and policy power
Reported in the Daily Telegraph, John Cridland, the CBI Deputy Director-General, said the UK needed a "revolution on the road".
He said: "The UK's automotive sector is among the most efficient in the world, and has the capacity to be a serious player in the manufacture of ultra low-carbon vehicles, which will be crucial to reducing our carbon emissions. But business needs certainty if it is to go ahead with investing in developing new vehicles, infrastructure and filling stations.
"The £250m the government has pledged for the development of low-carbon vehicles is welcome, but if it were to use its procurement muscle to buy a fleet of electric cars, this would send a strong signal to businesses and investors of its commitment.
"In the meantime, businesses and consumers can also do their bit to reduce emissions through something as simple as changing their driving habits.
Some environment groups gave the report a cautious welcome. Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth Executive Director, said: "It's good to hear businesses pointing out that not enough is being done to cut UK greenhouse gas emissions by switching to low-carbon sources of power. The Government's insufficient support for renewable energy has lasted far too long.
"But even the CBI's road map to a low-carbon economy won't get us where we need to be – reducing UK emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 is nowhere near enough to avoid catastrophic climate change.
"The Government must send the right signal to industry by setting a carbon budget that ensures we cut UK emissions at home by at least 42 per cent by 2020, and providing real incentives to companies to invest in renewable energy."
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