April Update

Industrial sectors sign up to 2020 energy efficiency targets
The UK's energy intensive industries have agreed to commit to extending energy efficiency improvement targets to 2020 as part of the voluntary Climate Change Agreements (CCA) scheme.

EU greenhouse gas emissions down 1.4% on 2011
The European Union's 27-Member State and Norway emitted around 1,876 million tonnes (Mt) of greenhouse gases in 2012, a decrease of 1.4% on 2011.

Virgin Atlantic soars to sustainable in-flight catering
Virgin Atlantic's global catering operations are to be evaluated and rated for their sustainability credentials by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).

Bluewater will be case study for future energy management projects
Bluewater's strategy for cutting its annual energy bill by 50%, with the aim to become Europe's most energy-efficient retail complex, will be a benchmark for future energy management projects, says Lend Lease's Pascal Mittermaier.

Business energy in spotlight as Ofgem tightens protections

New rules for the treatment of businesses by gas and electricity suppliers have been put forward for consultation by Ofgem.

The regulator issued its final proposals for reforms to aid businesses on 22 March, following the outcome of its Retail Market Reform investigation published in March 2011.

The key elements include extending existing licence conditions that protect micro-businesses by amending the definition. The regulator is also proposing to mandate suppliers to ensure micro-business energy bills contain contract end dates, and allow businesses to terminate their contracts at any time. Binding standards of conduct that focus on suppliers' dealings with small business are also set to be introduced.