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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With all the information out there in the news and on the internet most people are at least aware of pollution problems. The issue is more serious in some areas but the fact remains that we all contribute to it. The concern is that with more people on Earth now and more pollution we are harming our environment.

Since we breath the air that is out there what is in it should be a top concern for each of us. Yet we often go about it without thinking twice about it. There are enough individuals suffering from health concerns due to what they have been breathing in for years.

With all of the pollutants out there right now, imagine what it will be like for future generations. You may don't care must as you won't be around. Yet you will have family who will need to deal with the problems. Even y our own children and grandchildren who are the next generations will be affected by it.

Each of us has the power to make some positive changes though. Some people believe that living green is a waste of time because you are only one person. Yet if the educational information out there about it could encourage many individuals to all do their part it would have quite a significant impact overall.

The efforts of only one person over the course of their lifetime will significantly reduce the amount of pollution out there. Teaching children from a young age what they can do and why will allow that process to continue being implemented in our society as well.

We also have the responsibility to let the government and businesses know that we expect them to take action. Buy what you can from companies that due have plenty of living green concepts incorporated for customers to take advantage of. At the same time you need to influence your government to place laws in effect that limit the amount of pollution that can be emitted by a company as well as by individual vehicles on the roads.

If you are ready to start living green and to do your part to reduce the carbon footprints you have placed on this Earth it is time to learn about the various ways you can do so. It is never too late to make some positive changes to your behaviors so that you can live healthier and so can everyone around you.... Read more

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