The DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) has recently published their new 'Carbon Plan' that lays down some further targets and associated timescales for us to meet our environmental obligations.

The preliminary plan itself is available for consultation (the final version is due to be published this Autumn) and concentrates on the opportunities an economy low in carbon offers and energy security. The main challenges and headlines are:

The way most electricity is currently generated. A dramatic shift towards low carbon alternatives and away from fossil fuels is requiredThe way non-domestic and domestic buildings are insulated and heated.How we travel - moving towards alternative technologies such as electric vehicles, from diesel and petrol engines, to reduce emissions and increasing the availability of public transport options.

The document also lays down a range of actions and deadlines that a number of Government departments will need to meet. Hopefully they will consider some joined up thinking too.

With many kinds of green initiatives and legislative changes being planned by Government departments, there is a danger of becoming swamped in a host of "carbon compliance" all aiming to meet the same ends but by different and various means. For example:

DECC with the EA (Environment Agency) manage CRC, our new tax on carbon emissions.The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) manage display energy certificates (DECs) and energy performance certificates (EPCs), regulations brought in to make the asset and operational carbon performance of a building more public. Forecast changes will see DECs become a requirement for private as well as public premises.The BIS (Department for Business, Innovation & Skills) consulted on narrative reporting (non-financial risk) last year, this agenda will be increasingly dominated by energy, environment and carbon.DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is currently considering mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) (carbon) and the Government is shortly due to comment on this.

There is definitely a theme building here and it seems to have something to do with carbon! Fortunately, much of this is being considered in the summary of actions attached to the Carbon Plan. Unfortunately over 185 individual actions are either in progress or pending.

Carbon as a basis of legitimate business measurement is here and this means its use in everything from corporate responsibility reporting to taxation. For most organisations and buildings carbon performance is already being assessed. Whether by existing, or pending regulation or through the numerous energy and environmental management initiatives available, you are counting carbon, whether you like it or not.

Greg Davies is the Head of Service Development at Elementus. Elementus is a leading independent health, safety and environmental consultancy advising on carbon and energy management. They have been operating in the industry for 25 years.

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