CIBSE has opposed proposals by DEFRA for an emissions trading scheme in the large non-energy intensive business and public sectors because it would place too much emphasis on saving money rather than carbon.

The Institution said the ‘cap and trade system’ proposed under the scheme “would move the responsibility of carbon emissions reductions away from building managers to financial managers, placing too much emphasis on financial and not carbon savings”.

CIBSE was also concerned the system proposed by DEFRA would clash with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive currently under development by the DCLG.

Rather than adopt the DEFRA proposal, CIBSE proposes extending the EPBD to smaller buildings outside the public sector. Bryan Franklin, chairman of the CIBSE policy committee said: “If we do this, we can ensure UK compliance with the directive to make the UK leaders in low-carbon operation in Europe.”

In its response to the DEFRA consultation, the institution said adopting the proposed emissions trading scheme in parallel to the EPBD “may be in conflict with Operational Ratings” element of the directive.

CIBSE said it would also create confusion and add an administrative burden on to the organisations affected by it.

Source

Building Sustainable Design