Trade bodies ask members to cut carbon

A host of trade associations and unions have received grants totalling over £1m from the Carbon Trust to help implement projects to reduce their members' carbon emissions.


16 organisations have each received up to £140,000 as part of a the trust’s Network Initiative, a scheme established to encourage projects which would deliver demonstrable carbon savings through engagement with members.

Trade associations and unions are seen as valuable allies in efforts to address carbon emissions because of the influence they have on their members and the well-established channels of communication.

Projects receiving the grants include an awareness programme run by the Student Union, a campaign to promote best practice in the agricultural sector and an energy efficiency scheme for cold storage cabinets.

Many of the other projects look to tackle the emissions of the hotels and restaurants, the construction industry and paper producers.

Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust said: “Our work with trade and professional bodies is an important part of our overall role in helping UK business and public sector organisations cut CO2 emissions.

“Trade bodies are valuable partners for the Carbon Trust and our work together over the past two years has contributed to savings of some 200,000 tonnes of CO2.

“This funding announcement builds on the £1.4 million awarded over the last two years and brings the total number of industry organisations that have benefited from Carbon Trust’s Networks funding to 41.

“The Carbon Trust offers consultation and strategic support to all professional bodies around the UK, regardless of whether they have received funding, and we look forward to continuing our support for individual industries as they strive to cut emissions.”

The next round of applications for the Networks Initiative will open in autumn 2007. Interested organisations should visit the Carbon Trust website.

Sam Bond

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