Targets to reduce emissions are 'attainable'

Experts in energy-efficiency within business have suggested that the government's proposals to reduce emissions are ambitious but attainable.

John Barwise, chair of the Cumbria Green Business Forum, explained that the fourth carbon budget and plans to reduce emissions will encourage businesses to become more sustainable and energy efficient.

"The new emissions reduction targets are ambitious but achievable, provided the government is united in supporting those businesses that can deliver them," he explained.

This entails providing the new Green Investment Bank (GIB)with powers to borrow money in order to support funding in "renewable technologies and energy efficiency on a scale that can deliver the targets".

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) had a similar message when confirming its support of measures to reduce emissions.

It suggested that the GIB would need to deliver large-scale mainstream economic growth as well as the low-carbon infrastructure.

John Cridland, CBI director-general said that investors need certainty that the back will not need Treasury permission to act in its essential role.