British industries 'should be making products to reduce emissions'

In order to help reduce emissions and encourage economic growth, Britain's industries should be manufacturing components for low-carbon technologies, one expert has said.

According to principle energy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Murray Birt, the country's businesses need to take steps to ensure they remain competitive in the current economy.

Explaining that "energy policies could make manufacturing uncompetitive", Mr Birt highlights that the production of low-carbon materials could be a good window of opportunity to redress the balance.

He adds: "UK companies should be making components and materials for low-carbon technologies, as this will help rebalance the economy and we must avoid energy policies offshoring energy intensive industries."

Director of policy and research at the Renewable Energy Foundation Dr John Constable recently claimed that the introduction of the carbon floor tax will encourage innovation within the renewables sector.

He also stated that, following its implementation, the onus would be on businesses rather than individuals when it comes to reducing carbon output.