Aldersgate Group newsletter: August 2010

Business coalition supports mandatory carbon reporting

Last week, the AG wrote to Government Ministers putting forward the case for mandatory carbon reporting. The letter was supported by a wide range of businesses, NGOs and over 25 MPs. The letter puts forward the case that a clearer, stronger signal is needed now for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK that is consistent with international standards. 

Under the Climate Change Act, the Government must legally put forward regulations for mandatory carbon reporting by 2012 or explain to Parliament why this has not been the case.

To read a copy of the letter, click here.  

Establishing a Green Investment Bank

On 30th June the Aldersgate Group (AG) hosted an extremely popular joint event on the Green Investment Bank (GIB) with Green Alliance. Bob Wigley, whose report on the GIB for the Chancellor was published the day before, presented his recommendations to government and his belief in the importance of the organisation.

To read a full event summary, click here.

AG welcomes a host of new members

The Group is delighted to welcome Microsoft, AXA Investment Managers, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Forestry Commission, Herbert Smith LLP, L&Q, Ownergy, SmartestEnergy, WYG and Emma Howard Boyd as new members. For membership enquires, please contact membership@aldersgategroup.org.uk.

Chris Huhne MP speaks at the AG Summer reception

The day after the Emergency Budget, Chris Huhne outlined the Coalition's determination to be "the greenest UK government in history." He described the Prime Minister as the fourth Minister of DECC and declared himself to be a devoted fan of the Aldersgate Group. 

Mr Huhne's fellow speakers were Andrew Raingold of the Aldersgate Group, Rick Willmott of Willmott Dixon, Gordon Frazer of Microsoft and Tom Burke of E3G / Rio Tinto. The evening was hosted by Lord Smith of Finsbury. To read a full event summary, click here.

Early Day Motion (EDM)

The AG recently launched an EDM to support the rapid transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy. The MP signatories recognise the challenges of climate change and the need for urgent action and welcome the AG's report Accelerating the Transition: Priorities for the first 100 days of government. Martin Horwood MP, an AG member, sponsored the EDM which was has been signed by over 40 MPs from six different parties to date.

To read the EDM and see the signatories, click here.

The Guardian Sustainable Business Quarterly (GSBQ)

A series of thought-provoking evening events giving sustainability professionals the opportunity to engage in the latest thinking on driving business sustainability, participate in cross-sector problem solving and connect with other sustainability professionals. The next GSBQ takes place on 14 September in London from 6 - 9pm, and focuses on sustainable business versus sustainable consumption, considering if a low consumption culture is at odds with business sustainability.

For more information visit: guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/quarterly.

The Guardian Cleantech Summit 2010

The Guardian Cleantech Summit 2010 brings the world's most promising cleantech companies to a London audience on 23rd November. CEOs from the Global Cleantech 100 list will explore factors impacting their success, discuss how they compete in a global market and examine strategies for further fostering cleantech innovation and deployment.

Speakers include:
- Chris Huhne MP, secretary of state for energy and climate change
- Jigar Shah, CEO, The Carbon War Room
- Dr Ralph Schnell, CEO, Siemens Venture Capital
- Dr Bernard Bulkin, chair, Office for Renewable Energy Deployment, DECC

To view the full programme and speaker list visit www.guardian.co.uk/cleantechsummit. Register before 20th August to receive a 10% discount off your delegate place.

Green Monday event: Feed In Tariffs (6th September)

Until recently, there has been no financial motive for UK businesses to support small-scale renewable energy production. The Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme that came into effect on 1st April has the potential to create a new market dynamic by providing a financial incentive for businesses to install renewable electricity-generating technologies, and selling the produced energy back onto the grid. This can also mean new revenue streams.

This highly-topical Green Monday's event will address the key issues to help businesses of all shapes and sizes unlock the commercial value of FIT, secure upfront capital and how to overcome some of the implementation hurdles.

Speakers are from Bundestag, BT and SEGRO. To register, visit www.greenmondays.com