CO2 help for UK’s ‘powerhouse’ launched

13/11/2009

CO2Sense Yorkshire, a new consultancy that will act as one-stop-shop for Yorkshire and Humber businesses helping them to reduce their carbon emissions was launched last night at a high-profile event in Leeds.

More than 200 business leaders from the region gathered at the Royal Armouries to hear how CO2Sense Yorkshire will help companies cut carbon emissions, comply with legislation and save money while making the most of the business opportunities created by the region’s carbon reduction commitments.

Speaking at the event CO2Sense Yorkshire chief executive Joanne Pollard said: “CO2Sense Yorkshire is a single centre of knowledge for business and industry looking to adapt and respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change and Government policy changes.”

She added: “It will ensure the region continues to lead the way for commercial and industrial carbon emission reduction.”

Yorkshire is the highest carbon-emitting region in the country, due in part to its history of heavy industry and power plants. This has also brought technology and economic innovation, which CO2Sense Yorkshire hopes can now be used to reduce emissions and make the most of the economic opportunities brought about by a new ‘low carbon economy’.

CO2Sense Yorkshire, which is funded by Yorkshire Forward, is an evolution of the Sustainable Futures Company and will incorporate and build upon its already successful programmes which include Future Energy Yorkshire, Resource Efficiency Yorkshire and Carbon Action Yorkshire.

Future Energy Yorkshire was set up to meet the region's objectives in renewable and low-carbon energy; Resource Efficiency Yorkshire helps to increase business competitiveness through greater reuse and recycling of materials, and Carbon Action Yorkshire works with companies and organisations to help lower carbon emissions.

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, who spoke at the launch event commented: “With a £1 trillion global market and Yorkshire and Humber’s history in energy production and environmental issues our region is well placed to become a world leader of the low carbon agenda. CO2Sense is a key component in helping businesses become more energy efficient and find new product, processes and markets.”
 
Welcoming the launch of CO2Sense, Rosie Winterton, Minister for Yorkshire and The Humber, said: “In funding initiatives such as CO2Sense through Yorkshire Forward, our Regional Development Agency, the Government is demonstrating its commitment to tackling climate change and its effects and to ensuring security of energy supply.

“We are working hard at national, regional and local level to make sure we have the right infrastructure, industry, skills and support in place to enable us to reduce emissions and to become a low carbon economy.

“CO2Sense will provide an invaluable resource for businesses across our region looking to reduce the threats from climate change and make the most of the opportunities brought by the transition to a low carbon world.”

You can find out more at www.co2sense.org.uk

Notes to editors

CO2Sense Yorkshire
CO2Sense Yorkshire is a not-for-profit company, owned and funded by the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, helping businesses to reduce CO2 emissions in the region, while enabling economic growth. 

The company achieves this through four programmes: Resource Efficiency, Future Energy, Carbon Action and our Carbon Capture and Storage programme.

For further information contact:
Michael Bennett or Richard Truman at Pelican Public Relations Ltd
Tel: 01457 820807
E-mail: mb@pelicanpr.co.uk / richard.truman@pelicanpr.co.uk