CIBSE welcomes the opportunities of the Stern Report

CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) has welcomed the commitment demanded from the Government by the Stern Review in addressing climate change. In particular, CIBSE hopes that the report’s emphasis on science and economics will allow the argument to move on from whether climate change is happening to how it can be mitigated and adapted to. The review highlights the importance of increasing public-sector investment in low-carbon technologies, an industry that is expected to be worth $500 million by 2050. CIBSE continues to call for viable demonstration projects to showcase what can be achieved in this sector and will encourage its membership to take an active role in this area. Removing barriers to behavioural change is also seen as essential to reducing carbon emissions, and CIBSE has been pressing for greater information, clearer labelling and promotion of best practice to stimulate demand for low-carbon technologies. In particular, the institution supports every effort to reinforce the position of professionals that can influence the demand side of energy. Bryan Franklin, chair of CIBSE’s policy and consultation committee, said, ‘Stimulating demand is the most important step in encouraging widespread take up of existing technologies which reduce emissions.’ CIBSE has long been active in promoting responsible action on climate change. The 100 days of carbon clean up campaign showed how carbon emissions from buildings could be reduced by around 10%. The carbon 60 project to reduce carbon emissions at the institutions head office by 60% by 2009 is moving on to the implementation stage with the seeking of a project manager to oversee the project. David Hughes, president of CIBSE, comments, ‘This review represents a fundamental change in how climate change will be addressed in the future. It makes the financial case for mitigating climate change and reducing emissions in everything we do. CIBSE, through its membership, is ready to take up this challenge in the built environment and show the world how energy efficiency in buildings can help achieve this. The focus on scientific evidence for climate change and scientific responses to it were particularly welcomed. CIBSE believes that the focus on scientific and engineering solutions will further bolster these sectors in the global economy and promote engineering to a new generation.