Government commitment 'essential to reduce emissions'

The government must demonstrate its commitment to green initiatives to ensure their success, according to one expert.

Operations director of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering Kevin Wellman notes that such support is essential if schemes to reduce emissions are to prove successful.

Noting that people are typically more receptive to carbon footprint discussions than previously, he adds that "unscrupulous people jumping on the bandwagon" are now the main concern.

He explains that such individuals could create bad press for quality installers or other negative feelings towards the renewable energy sector.

His comments follow a report from the Confederation of British Industry, which showed that the UK could be falling behind when it comes to creating a low-carbon infrastructure.

Indeed, the study illustrated that the country may not be attracting the level of investment required to see these changes through.

Some £150 billion in private sector investment is needed over the course of the next 20 years to ensure emissions targets - and national energy requirements - are met, the organisation claimed.