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European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS)

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme was introduced by the European Union to help meet the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and all large energy intensive sites are obliged to take part. Across Europe around 10,000 sites are covered accounting for 40% of total EU Greenhouse emissions.

The scheme is divided into phases and a ‘cap’ on the total amount of emissions allowed from all the installations covered by the scheme is set. This is converted into allowances - 1 allowance = 1 tonne CO₂.

Allowances are distributed to installations in the scheme and they monitor and report their emissions annually.

They surrender allowances to account for their installation’s actual annual emissions. They may use all or part of their allocation and have the flexibility to buy additional allowances or to sell any surplus allowances generated from reducing their emissions below their allocation.

In the UK less energy intensive organisations will be included in a simplified carbon trading scheme, known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment from 2010 (with 2008 used as a qualifying base year).

The Green Consultancy advices companies with sites in EUETS on compliance issues and on ensuring carbon emissions are minimised to reduce cost exposure.

For your no obligation quote, or to discuss your requirements, please contact Michael Webb or phone him on 08450 176299.