Action from business and the public sector is central to delivering the UK's climate change targets and making the transition to a low-carbon Britain.
Taking action on climate change offers real opportunities for businesses. Low-carbon technologies offer new markets for growth and jobs, and greater energy efficiency can help reduce fuel bills and save money. Many businesses are already taking action to reduce their emissions and take advantage of the new opportunities presented by the transition to a low-carbon economy
As the UK moves to a low-carbon economy the public sector also has to lead the way. In the UK the public sector employs 6 million people, owns a tenth of all land and has significant purchasing power – around £150 billion per year. The sector is directly responsible for around 3% of the UK’s emissions, with £2.6 billion spent on electricity and gas in 2008-09.
The Department's policies on climate change aims to encourage and enable organisations of all kinds to take the lead in finding and implementing cost-effective measures that will cut greenhouse gas emissions. The aim is to tackle climate change while ensuring that UK businesses remain competitive and benefit from low carbon opportunities.
For information on how DECC is helping and incentivising business and the public sector to reduce their emissions, please refer to the Reducing emissions from businesses and the public sector page.
For information on how DECC is ensuring that the UK benefits from the transition to the low carbon economy, please refer to the Moving to a Low Carbon Economy page.