EIC makes election call for step change in energy efficiency

The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) has published its manifesto calling on political parties of all colours to support the UK’s environmental technology and services sector in the lead-up to this year’s General Election. 

EIC’s executive director, Matthew Farrow, commented: “The focus of the coming Election will be competing views on how to secure future economic growth and jobs. Yet current growth is already putting severe pressure on our natural resources and ecosystems.

“This presents an acute sustainability dilemma for the next government. The push for growth – not least to reduce the deficit – and the desire to build more homes, modernise our transport systems, and upgrade our energy infrastructure means that pressures on our natural resources and will get even greater over the next five years. Imagination, innovation and political will be needed to manage this dilemma.”

EIC’s five areas for action are:
· Make new infrastructure sustainable
· Deliver real air quality improvement to protect the public
· Enforce existing regulations properly
· Support exports of environmental goods and services
· Deliver a step change in energy efficiency

The manifesto also sets out ten policy recommendations which, maintains EIC, involve little or no public cost. 

The document – ‘Priorities for the next Government’ – can be read here.

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