FETA members enabling the transition to a green economy
Against the background of the current economic climate, member companies of FETA (Federation of Environmental Trade Associations) have been congratulated by its chairman Geoff Lockwood for investing and innovating in new products and services to enable the Government’s vision of a transition to a green economy. Addressing members and guests at the association’s annual lunch, he reflected on how little progress the Government had made following its publication last year of a document entitled ‘Enabling the transition to a green economy’.
He said, ‘It hopes to stimulate the economy through green measures. Is there any direct help in there for our industry? Very little. No fiscal measures, that is certain.
‘Shall we wait for the Government to come up with a plan, such as an industrial policy, or shall we do something?’
He believes that FETA members are already doing the ‘something’ by investing and innovating in new products and services to exploit the opportunities in the green economy and reduce their environmental impact. ‘You employ people and pay taxes, and a lot of you run apprentice schemes to ensure the future of your industry.
‘You did this long before this Government published the document “Enabling the transition to a green economy”.’
In particular, Geoff Lockwood highlighted how various FETA groups have contributed.
The Building Controls Industry Association continues to communicate the message of how controls can reduce the impact of buildings on the environment with training and conferences.
The Heat Pump Association is set to exploit the full benefits of the Renewable Heat Incentive.
The British Refrigeration Association is pioneering the use of hydrocarbons and CO2 and supporting it by developing training schemes and guidance.
The Residential Ventilation Association is optimising the use of highly efficient ventilation through certified training schemes.
Finally, the British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association is promoting domestic biomass.