The low carbon economy

Government thinking in relation to the creation of a low carbon economy is set out in the recently published White Paper which outlines how the UK might meet the cut in emissions set out in the first carbon budget which covers the period 2008-2012.

These carbon budgets were set up following the first report of the Committee on Climate Change, an independent body set up to advise the Government in relation to carbon. 

Future opportunities

The low carbon sector is also likely to be a major source of opportunity in the future. At the Low Carbon Economy Summit 26 June 2008, Gordon Brown said “By 2050 the overall added value of the low carbon energy sector could be as high as $3 trillion per year worldwide and it could employ more than 25 million people. So my goal is simple, to achieve a disproportionately large share of these new global jobs”.

Several Government departments have set out their thinking in relation to carbon. BIS in the UK Low Carbon Industrial Strategy includes coverage of the construction industry.

Other Government departments which have set out thinking in this area include the DECC which has produced the publication “Investing in a low carbon Britain”

Low carbon skills

Ways in which the low carbon economy may translate into actual jobs are discussed in the consultation document from BIS Meeting the Low Carbon Skills Challenge