Low-carbon opportunities

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, has launched a programme of events to help manufacturing companies capitalise on opportunities in a low-carbon economy.

According to EEF, low-carbon initiatives could represent a significant business opportunity for the manufacturing industry. In the UK, low-carbon products and services currently amount to more than £100bn a year and this figure is expected to grow by five per cent each year to reach £150bn by 2015.

EEF believes that this increase is a direct result of pressure from consumers, as well as government support and legislative commitments that companies are required to meet. The organisation has developed a programme of expert support as part of the latest stage of its 'Manufacturing. Our Future' campaign to help businesses meet this demand.

The programme will cover a range of issues including low-carbon opportunities, business impact assessments, funding sources, proactive environmental management and the challenges presented in today's low-carbon agenda. These will be presented to member companies through a series of seminars, workshops and speeches.

Gareth Stace, head of climate and environment policy at EEF, said: ‘Increased regulation and growing consumer pressure is forcing companies to up the ante in their approach to the low-carbon agenda. This is new ground for some and our expert advice and guidance is designed to smooth the process and take advantage of what will be a substantial market.’