Green Economy Council Rise To The Low Carbon Challenge

The Green Economy Council has held its first meeting to discuss how government and industry can work together to support the transition to a green, low carbon economy and minimise the costs for business while maximising the opportunities.

A group of high level business leaders from a cross-section of industries and sectors have advised government on green and green growth policies such as infrastructure, innovation, investment, and unnecessary regulation.

The Council uniquely brings together Ministers from three key departments - the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Among the key issues on the agenda is the Green Economy Roadmap, which is being developed by all three departments and will be published in the spring. This will set out the Government’s long term strategy on climate change and the environment.

Business Secretary Vince Cable chaired the first meeting. He said: “The transition to a green economy brings both opportunities and challenges that we need to tackle now to achieve sustainable growth and meet climate change targets.

“I’m delighted that we have attracted top business leaders from key sectors to join us on the Green Economy Council and help us develop these policies.

“We need to minimise the burdens on business and industry during this transition, while we create the necessary conditions for green growth and investment in the green economy.”

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: “If we don’t get off the oil hook we risk getting buffeted by each and every oil spike, damaging our economic and energy security.

“We want to work with Britain’s industry experts to make green jobs and investment come to the UK. We can be a world-leading low carbon economy, but we need to get ahead of the likes of China who are closing down on us fast.

“The Coalition is putting in place the framework for significant low carbon investment, including reforming the electricity market, setting up the Green Investment Bank, and legislating for the Green Deal.”

(BMcN/GK)