The RTPI has responded positively to the Department for Energy and Climate Change’s consultation on the term ‘Carbon Neutral - its definition and recommendation for good practice’.

Matt Thomson, Head of Policy at the Royal Town Planning Institute said: “We support the Government’s broad approach to defining carbon neutrality. However it is important to recognise though that if we are to rise to the climate change challenge, we need to get serious about reducing emissions, not just off-setting; the ‘carbon neutral’ standard must be a transitional process on the path to a low-carbon future.

Thomson added: “It is important that any such definition is independently verified and that the agreed definition of carbon neutral is clearly delineated, easily understood and comparable, so that the public and consumers can judge performance.”

An additional recommendation of the response was the suggestion that the success of green travel plans should be replicated in the sphere of energy use and carbon emissions through site-level green energy plans, which could have a significant effect in reducing carbon emissions from our building stock.

Such site-level green energy plans could be supported by Green Energy Officers, providing the expertise and understanding to help companies work to reduce their energy use and carbon emissions,

In relation to the creation of an agreed carbon neutral definition, the RTPI has said:

• ‘Kitemark’ accreditation for corporate performance in carbon emissions management is needed;
• Absolute reductions in emissions must form part of a carbon neutral standard;
• An independent 3rd party verification body is the best option to ‘quality control’ carbon neutral claims;
• Any ‘carbon neutral’ standard should be evaluated periodically to reflect advancements and move towards lower carbon standards.
• However, if we are to meet our 2050 targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent, there is an urgent need to move towards actually decreasing emissions, rather than simply offsetting carbon, which can only ever be a small part of the solution.

  For further information, please contact:
  Jamie Hodge, RTPI Communications and Public Affairs Officer.
  Phone: 44(0)20 7929 8182 Mobile phone: 07826 849 165
  Email: jamie.hodge@rtpi.org.uk.

  Notes to Editors:

  1. The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
  The RTPI is a dynamic organisation leading the way in the creation of places that work now and in the future. We understand that just as people develop places, so places develop people. We are committed to the enhancement of our natural and human environment, using spatial planning to manage competing pressures on our built environments and the very real effects on our space. Through our members, we constantly seek to create areas and places in which people want to live and work.

  As well as promoting spatial planning, RTPI develops and shapes policy affecting the built environment, works to raise professional standards and supports members through continuous education, training and development.

  For further general information, visit the RTPI website, www.rtpi.org.uk.
  The RTPI is based at 41 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DL.
  Charity Registration Number 262865, and Scottish Charity Registration Number SC 037841.

  2. The Government’s consultation paper on defining carbon-neutral can be found here.

Author:

Nancy Hammonds

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

27-May-09

Categories:

 

Sections:

News & Media

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