From 1 April homes will need an energy performance certificate (EPC) at grade D or above to qualify for higher feed-in tariff rates.

On 9 February the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) released its comprehensive review of feed-in tariffs (FITs). Phase 1 of the review confirmed the new energy-efficiency requirements to be introduced from 1 April. Phase 2 focused on making the scheme sustainable for the long term, proposing to link future tariff reductions to the rate at which the industry grows.

Making the grade

The good news is that, for many homes, an energy performance certificate at grade D is a lot more achievable than grade C, which was originally put forward.

DECC states: "We have listened carefully to concerns raised in response to the consultation and have decided that the energy efficiency requirement should be based on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of level D or above, not level C or any other option as previously mooted."

The rating will apply to both homes and non-domestic buildings installing and registering a PV system from 1 April 2012. Homes that fail to qualify will receive the much lower tariff of 9p per kWh - unless they can get their install completed before the 1 April deadline.

A gradual reduction for FITs

In the last quarter of 2011, the number of new solar PV installs soared as thousands rushed to cash in on the 43.3p tariff before it was whipped away on 12 December. It seems DECC has learned from this episode and is looking to put a more sustainable - and less damaging - funding system in place. According to climate change minister Greg Barker: "Instead of a scheme for the few, the new improved scheme will deliver for the many."

In the second phase of the 9 February review, DECC suggests flexing the FIT budget depending on the level of uptake, so the more systems are installed over one set period, the deeper the tariff cut for the next.

After 1 July the review suggests the tariff may fall to between 13.6p-16.5p per kWh, with further cuts expected in the succeeding months.

Tom Craig heads up the marketing team at one of the UK's most successful installers of solar panels - Nottingham-based Evo Energy, and says the new measures should give people an incentive to install sooner rather than later. "We need to remember the rates are subject to consultation at this stage. But for now, the message is clear - those thinking about installing PV should make their move sooner rather than later. For those who install before April, you'll also be spared the extra costs that may come with reaching EPC grade D."

This sponsored content was provided by Evo Energy

In the current economic climate business owners should be welcoming methods to cut business energy costs with open arms.

One way to cut costs is through efficiency. In recent years popular awareness of energy waste and efficiency issues has increased dramatically. Energy efficient methods and devices are seen as key to reducing household bills and helping reduce waste in the environment. Unfortunately, it seems small businesses have failed to learn these energy efficiency tricks from households which could be saving them thousands of pounds a year.

Recent EON research highlighted that a huge four million UK small businesses are missing out on £7.7bn per year because of a lack of efficient energy measures. For example, 13 per cent of small businesses admit to leaving the windows open when the air conditioning or heating is on. If you think there are roughly 4.8 million small businesses in the UK, that is a huge 624,000 who admit to a significant waste of energy. In fact, according to EON only 21 per cent of small businesses have any energy efficiency measures in place at all.

So why haven't small businesses joined the energy saving bandwagon? Firstly, it seems that some small businesses cannot immediately see how much energy they are using and what it's costing them, therefore they never get around to acting on it. Secondly, once a business has realised their problem, they then need the correct equipment to cut their energy costs. Making small changes like installing energy saving equipment, light sensors and smart meters could have a significant financial impact on energy costs and overheads. Finally, many businesses need information about the savings they will make from investing in energy saving as many believe they don't have sufficient funds to invest in this equipment.

XLN has itself worked hard to receive carbon neutral status. As part of this we strive to neutralize greenhouse gases our business emits through heating, lighting, commuting, waste and the paper we use. For instance, we try to minimise paper bills and instead encourage e-billing. The environment is good to us and with the added potential of saving a significant amount of money over a year, why shouldn't your business get more clued up on energy efficiency?

This sponsored content was provided by XLN Telecom

The Irish government has illustrated its support for the purchasing of products and services from eco-friendly suppliers by launching a green procurement plan for local authorities.

The development is designed to assist these authorities in effectively implementing sustainable purchasing policies and is hoped to boost the region's low carbon economy.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin announced details of the Green Tenders procurement plan earlier this month (January 18th) and said that the development is hoped to encourage the cultivation of green products and services. In a joint foreword to Green Tenders, the ministers explained: "Reform of the public procurement function is, and remains, driven by the need to obtain maximum value for public money in procuring works, supplies and services." This is great news for an eco-friendly printing supplier like Flyerzone which may find that its custom increases as a result.

The plan states that: "By using their purchasing power to choose, goods, services and works with a reduced environmental impact, public authorities can make an important contribution towards local, national and international sustainability goals."

Ireland's public authority spending currently stands at €14bn (the equivalent of £11.7bn) and the plan is focused on eight priority areas: construction, energy, transport, food and catering services, cleaning products and services, paper, uniforms and textiles, and ICT.

In light of the fact that around four per cent of carbon emissions generated around the world come from our use of computers, a number of organisations looking to makes a difference look to improve their computer efficiency. Others choose to implement a "cycle to work" programme to allow their employees to target their own carbon footprint. However, a particularly popular method is eco-printing, which helps these organisations to build their reputation and keep their operational costs to a minimum, as well as helping to lower damage to the environment. With the supply eco-friendly products and services on the rise, supply now appears to be catching up with demand, meaning the cost of such purchases have typically shrunk as a result.

This guest article was provided by our supporter Flyerzone

Reviewed FIT factors in energy efficiency

From 1 April homes must need an energy performance certificate (EPC) at grade D or above to qualify for higher feed-in tariff rates.

On 9 February the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) released its comprehensive review of feed-in tariffs (FITs). Phase 1 of the review confirmed the new energy-efficiency requirements to be introduced from 1 April. Phase 2 focused on making the scheme sustainable for the long term, proposing to link future tariff reductions to the rate at which the industry grows.

Making the grade

The good news is that, for many homes, an energy performance certificate at grade D is a lot more achievable than grade C, which was originally put forward.

DECC states: "We have listened carefully to concerns raised in response to the consultation and have decided that the energy efficiency requirement should be based on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of level D or above, not level C or any other option as previously mooted."

The rating will apply to both homes and non-domestic buildings installing and registering a PV system from 1 April 2012. Homes that fail to qualify will receive the much lower tariff of 9p per kWh - unless they can get their install completed before the 1 April deadline.

A gradual reduction for FITs

In the last quarter of 2011, the number of new solar PV installs soared as thousands rushed to cash in on the 43.3p tariff before it was whipped away on 12 December. It seems DECC has learned from this episode and is looking to put a more sustainable - and less damaging - funding system in place. According to climate change minister Greg Barker: ‘Instead of a scheme for the few, the new improved scheme will deliver for the many'.

In the second phase of the 9 February review, DECC suggests flexing the FIT budget depending on the level of uptake, so the more systems are installed over one set period, the deeper the tariff cut for the next.

After 1 July the review suggests the tariff may fall to between 13.6p-16.5p per kWh, with further cuts expected in the succeeding months.

Tom Craig heads up the marketing team at one of the UK's most successful installers of solar panels, Nottingham-based EvoEnergy, and says the new measures should give people an incentive to install sooner rather than later.

"We need to remember the rates are subject to consultation at this stage. But for now, the message is clear - those thinking about installing PV should make their move sooner rather than later. For those who install before April, you'll also be spared the extra costs that may come with reaching EPC grade D."

This sponsored content is provided by EvoEnergy

The global mining industry is a significant contributor of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

New research, presented by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) at the COP17 conference in Durban last month, revealed it produced 1 gigatonne of CO2 equivalent per year, approximately 2 per cent of global energy-related GHG emissions and around the same as a medium-sized developed country such as Canada.

No question, the mining and metals industry has a responsibility to play its part in addressing climate change - now and in the years to come. However, we believe our industry can offer much of the expertise needed to tackle climate change, as well as providing many of the elements which are essential to the development of green technologies.

ICMM brings together 21 international mining and metals companies, which employ more than a third of the 2.5 million people working in the sector worldwide, as well as 31 national and regional mining associations and global commodity associations. All member companies are required to sign up to a set of performance standards based on ten sustainable development principles. ICMM's position at the heart of the industry allows us to steer debate and contribute to decision-making.

To more effectively address climate change issues our organisation has set up a dedicated climate change program covering three program focus areas: national climate policies and competiveness; land use and adaptation to the impacts of climate change; and measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of net GHG activities.

Beyond that all member companies have made firm commitments: to develop GHG emission reduction strategies and implement economic emissions reductions opportunities; to ensure efficient use of natural resources; to support research and development of low GHG emission technologies; to measure progress and report results on the above commitments.
So what contribution can the industry make to the reduction of GHG emissions? Where and how is it possible to be more carbon-efficient?

First, at least half of our emissions originate from secondary sources, particularly from the power and transportation sectors. As these represent significant net costs on mining and metal operations, companies are increasingly motivated to explore ways in which energy efficiency and renewables can work to defray costs and decrease GHG emissions.

Second, minerals and metals are, in fact, required for many of today's low carbon technologies. Metals, like copper, aluminium and platinum, and non-metallurgical coal are vital for developing a renewable energy infrastructure. Photovoltaic solar panels, catalytic converters and wind turbines are just a few examples of alternative energy technologies which rely on the mining and metals industry for its product development and manufacturing.

Third, the mining and metals sector has a wealth of expert insight and guidance to offer and ICMM's climate change program provides a unique platform from which the industry can contribute to the policy design process. While an all-encompassing global policy regime and a single carbon price may still be a way off, we believe that measures such as a more standardised and transparent MRV system and effective steps on national carbon pricing are important steps towards that goal.

Undoubtedly, there is a lot of work ahead of us. Addressing climate change needs to be one of the most important parts of every mining and metals company's business strategy. It simply cannot be ignored.

But our efforts cannot stop there. Demand for commodities is predicted to increase over the coming decades. As the world moves towards a low-carbon economy it is clear that mining and metals industry is - and has to be - part of the solution.

John Drexhage is Director of Climate Change at the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).