Rockwool on carbon trading and green taxes

In response to the Stern Report, Rockwool contend that carbon trading and green taxes alone won't tackle climate change but can help drive real efforts to save energy.

In response to the Stern Report which was issued on Monday 30th October, Rockwool have issued the following response, Carbon trading and green taxes alone won't tackle climate change but can help drive real efforts to save energy.

That's the message from Brian Roberts, Managing Director of Rockwool , as UK businesses digest Sir Nicholas Stern's report on the economic impact of global warming.

With Gordon Brown proposing a massive expansion of carbon trading and green taxation on business and consumers, Mr Roberts believes now is the time for a serious debate on how to solve the global environmental crisis and explains: "Carbon permits simply allow polluters to buy credits and emit more than a set level of greenhouse gases".

"It would be much more effective to invest in renewable energy, clean fuel sources and energy saving measures - after all, we should be trying to dissuade companies from emitting harmful gasses, not giving them the means to do so".

"Preventing pollution should be fundamental to any policy aimed at tackling climate change." "Energy saving would also make a bigger impact than green taxes".

"Since buildings account for more than 40% of manmade CO2 pollution, introducing tax breaks for businesses which make energy efficiency improvements such as ensuring their premises are properly insulated would be a much better tactic".

"While raising air fares is unlikely to discourage many people from flying, most households and businesses would make changes if they could slash their fuel bills, improve their indoor environment and benefit the planet at the same time".

"Companies would also be able to improve their profitability and attract more customers in an increasingly environmentally-savvy market".

Since 1996, Rockwool has invested more than GBP12 million in environmental improvements, including using the most energy-efficient production techniques, recycling hot water to heat offices, upgrading production equipment to reduce emissions and compressing products to cut lorry journeys.

The full environmental impact of Rockwool's products is monitored by an independent Life Cycle Analysis, which takes into account the use of natural resources, transportation, raw materials and fuel and the consequences of the manufacturing process.

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