Emissions trading and energy efficiency

If your business is energy-intensive or uses energy supplied on the half hourly market you may need to comply with mandatory emissions trading schemes.

European Union emissions trading system (EU ETS)

Energy-intensive businesses that release significant emissions into the atmosphere may need to obtain a greenhouse gas emissions permit under the EU ETS.

You may need a permit, for example, if your business is in the:

• energy sector
• production and processing of ferrous (iron-based) metals sector
• mineral sector - eg cement manufacture
• pulp and paper industry.

Under the system, businesses that emit fewer emissions than their permit allows can sell their excess to firms producing excessive emissions.

If you are unsure whether your business is covered by the EU ETS, you should contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) or Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

The CRC energy efficiency scheme will be closing down at the end of the current cycle. If you were a participant in the 2010 -2014 or the 2014-2019 phases then you will have certain responsibilities until the scheme closes completely.

Read about the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme:

CRC Energy efficiency Scheme

Further information

NIEA: CRC Guidance

Scottish Government: CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

In this Guideline

How climate change affects your business

How to cut carbon emissions from energy use

How to cut carbon emissions from business travel

How to cut carbon emissions from business buildings

How to design low-carbon products

How to find suppliers of low-carbon products

Tax breaks to encourage energy efficiency

Comply with emissions trading requirements

International climate change projects and the carbon offset market

How to get involved with Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation projects

Purchasing carbon offsets