Jane Fiona as Director and co-founder of Article 13 contributed to the BBC Breakfast debate on the new UK Energy White Paper, unveiled on 15 July 2009. The programme discussed the implications of the new paper for individual households and the role of potential new technologies and behaviour change. The transition to a low carbon economy is very much still up for debate.
The discussion covered the increasing government targets for lower emissions and the obligations to increase the percentage of renewables in the energy mix. It also noted the subsequent shift of power away from the energy companies and more towards the government and consumers. However, without the proper infrastructure for consumers to be able to make an informed choice, the programme highlighted that there is a limited amount that individuals can do to really make an impact on their carbon footprint. Additionally, costs to the consumer are expected to rise due to the associated costs of new technologies such as solar power or wind power.
More importantly, Jane Fiona explains the critical role of behaviour change from businesses who are increasingly looking to government for what they will do to provide incentive. She goes on to add that we need to be looking for other ways to save money so we are working towards not only a carbon neutral, but also a cost neutral solution. For example, investments in cutting-edge waste to energy technology could potentially enable households to generate lower cost energy.
Whatever the future for energy emission targets, it remains clear that there is a high demand for new technologies and behaviour change from both the business sector and individuals.
Article 13 works extensively with businesses to assist in their strategy to meet government regulation. However, we also, more importantly, support companies to be ahead of the game and actually take advantage of the opportunities presented by the energy debate to innovate their service, process or product.
If you have any further questions of would like to discuss further any aspect of the energy debate, please contact Jane Fiona Cumming or phone 020 8840 4450.
Neela Bettridge is an executive coach and mentor, as well as a highly skilled practitioner in the field of organisational sustainability and governance. Learn more at www.article13.com.Article 13 are experts in business responsibility, typically in the areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and governance. Article 13 seeks to embed and integrate responsible business practices in organisations by means of consultancy services, training, executive coaching and thought leadership.
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