UK schools to be tied into cap-and-trade scheme

The government has today confirmed that schools are to be included in its expanded carbon emissions trading scheme when it comes into effect in 2010.

Under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) about 5,000 businesses and public sector organisations spending over £500,000 a year on electricity will be included in the cap-and-trade scheme, which aims to offer financial incentives to encourage firms to curb their energy use.

Schools were initially expected to be exempt from the scheme, which covers hotels, universities and other medium-sized businesses, amid concerns that it would add to their administrative burden.

However, the government has now confirmed that schools will be tied into the scheme, because their energy use will count towards the total emissions of local authorities included in the CRC. Defra said that as such, schools will not be required to directly trade in carbon credits and will simply have to supply information on their annual energy use to the local authority.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said that the move would help encourage local authorities and schools themselves to try and cut energy use. "Bringing schools into the carbon footprint of local authorities taking part in this scheme will encourage greater energy efficiency, with children seeing the results in their own schools," he said, adding that the move would also help engage young people with carbon reduction initiatives.