News Article
A new scheme is being launched to help North East firms reduce rising fuel bills and boost their business prospects by cutting carbon emissions.
The North East Carbon Management and Energy Efficiency Programme has signed up seven major regional firms to cut emissions as part of the Government’s drive to slash atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Experts from the programme will be sent into each company to carry out an intensive analysis of their energy supply and demand. The interventions will identify cost savings and investment opportunities tailored to the individual needs of the company.
The programme’s aim is to help companies better deal with rising fuel costs, improve their future business prospects, protect jobs and boost their profitability.
The scheme represents the first time a regional development agency has worked with the Government’s Carbon Trust project to tackle emissions.
Companies signed up to the scheme include Davy Roll, Gateshead, Sanofi Aventis, Alnwick, ThyssenKrupp Automotive Tallent Chassis and Hydro Polymers, both of Newton Aycliffe.
Barrie Brass - Regional Manager of the Carbon Trust – is working with One North East Renewable Energy Specialist Andrew Williamson to drive the project forward.
Mr Brass said: “The impact of climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions is rapidly becoming a business issue.
“Climate change, while constituting a business risk, also holds the potential for major business opportunities. Estimates by the Carbon Trust suggest that business could reduce energy consumption by as much as 25% through good energy management and cost effective investments.”
The firms signed up to the scheme have all been proposed by One North East’s Business Investment and Finance and North East Productivity Alliance teams, each with an annual energy spend of over £1m.
Automotive car parts manufacturer ThyssenKrupp employs 1,000 people at its Newton Aycliffe plant, supplying industry giants such as Nissan, Ford and BMW.
Managing Director Simon Flunder said: “The Carbon Management Initiative will help us identify energy reduction objectives and invest in new, more efficient practices and technologies. This is turn will reduce our energy costs.
“In recent months energy bills within the industry have risen dramatically, our own by over 60%. These price increases affect our competitiveness within the UK and Europe and it is another reason for our customers to consider low cost country sourcing.
“We must face up to the fact that the days of cheap energy have probably gone forever and the challenge of reducing our energy use is one the most important business objectives we currently face.”
Neighbouring plastics manufacturer Hydro Polymers employs 400 staff at its round the clock operation in Newton Aycliffe. It recently received planning permission to install two 250kw wind turbines on its PVC manufacturing site as part of its commitment to reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions.
Energy manager John Richardson said: “The company has committed itself to a sustainable development strategy and our long-term aim is to become carbon neutral.
“Wind turbines provide the most feasible option for establishing an effective renewable energy source on our site and, as well as cutting emissions, the turbines will reduce our energy costs helping the Newton Aycliffe site to maintain its competitive market position.”
One North East and the Carbon Trust are financing the North East programme to the tune of £100,000 each, with the selected companies investing a total of £100,000 into the programme.
The Government is committed to cutting carbon dioxide levels by 10% by 2010 – with experts predicting a 60% reduction will be needed by 2050 to stabilise climate change.
Mr Williamson said: “We will be working with energy intensive manufacturing companies to mitigate losses against the current background of unprecedented energy price rises.
“With so many heavy energy users in the region citing price increases as a major obstacle to business survival, this programme makes good business sense for all concerned.”
Dr Garry Felgate, Carbon Trust Director of Business Delivery and External Relations, said: “Businesses in the North East need to realise that by reducing carbon emissions as part of the fight against climate change, they will not only help the environment but they will also benefit their bottom line.
“With energy prices still rising, cutting carbon emissions through better energy efficiency will lower bills and save them money.”
Kevin Rowan, One North East board member and Regional Secretary of the Northern TUC, said: “In some cases, energy costs have increased by 80% in just a few years and all the signs are that these will continue to rise.
“This carbon management programme is a positive step to help manufacturers take action now to tackle costs and boost their future prospects, at the same time as tackling a key environmental challenge.”
Any companies interested in learning more about the carbon management programme, should contact Andrew Williamson on Tel: 0191 229 6372 or Tel: Barrie Brass on 0191 229 6568.
Ends.
For further information please contact:
Gordon Arnott, Senior Press Officer, One North East.
Tel:(0191) 229 6309 Fax:(0191) 229 6234 Mobile: 07713 317883
e-mail: gordon.arnott@onenortheast.co.uk
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