Turning the spotlight on the environment
June 1st 2004

Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Energy, e-commerce and Postal Services spoke exclusively to Water, Energy & Environment Journal and stressed the the need to make people aware of the significant cost benefits available from good environmental management.

The value of event such as the BCE awards is that it turns the spotlight on to good environmental practice. It demonstrates that it is a commercially beneficial thing to do and that it is viable to run a sustainable company. These awards are an effective way to get the message across and inspire other to follow.

Mr Timms recognised the importance of energy efficiency in achieving the required cut in carbon emissions, saying that is is the most cost effective way to reduce carbon emissions. Although energy efficiency is of prime importance and the need to move towards renewable energy solutions is occurring there is still the need for technological development to achieve the ambitious aims of the Governments White paper last year. It is certainly clear that we will need technology that is not commercially viable at the moment such as fuel cells, wave and tidal technologies.

An necessary part of reducing the nations energy consumption it to show people how it can be done. Making people aware that there significant cost benefits, said Mr Timms is essential. Events such as this do that. New market opportunities are created as can be seen by some of the winners here. It is to be demonstrated that it is in companies own interests to put these initiatives in place.

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