Carbon cuts get serious with CERT

The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) came into effect in April 2008, obliging electricity and gas suppliers in Great Britain to help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from homes. Here's how it works and what it could mean for you.

What is CERT?

The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target is all about reducing CO ₂ emissions, one of the main causes of climate change. CERT came into effect in April 2008, and it obliges energy companies to take steps to ensure that the amount of CO ₂ emissions from homes is reduced.

As the name suggests, there's a set target for the amount by which CO ₂ emissions should be reduced. CERT will be in effect for three years, with the target of making an annual net saving of 4.2 million tonnes of CO ₂ by the end of the programme.

CERT is actually the third phase of a programme that has been running since 2002 to reduce CO ₂ emissions. The previous phase was known as the Energy Efficiency Commitment. This new phase doubles the targets of the previous three-year phase, which started in April 2005.

Why do we need CERT?

The UK has committed itself to a number of targets to reduce harmful emissions:

cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 22 per cent from 1990 levels by 2008-2012, as part of the Kyoto Protocol
cutting emissions of CO ₂ by 34 per cent and 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 and 2050 respectively, as part of Government policy

CERT has been designed to make a significant contribution to achieving these targets.

How will CERT work?

Electricity and gas suppliers will be obliged to promote things that:

improve energy efficiency, for example, loft and wall insulation
increase the amount of energy generated from renewable technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels and ground source heat pumps

What does CERT mean to me?

CERT will mean that energy suppliers will provide grants and offers to help you pay for energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies for your home. The key thing to note here is that you can take up grants and offers from any energy company, regardless of whether they supply your gas and electricity. This could help reduce the amount of energy you use, reducing your CO ₂ emissions as well as helping you to save money on your energy bills too.

Most energy suppliers provide loft and cavity wall insulation for free to those aged over 70 or those in receipt of certain benefits. Call your local advice centre on 0800 512 012 to find out more.

What next?

Speak to your local advice centre to find out if there are grants and offers available for you. Call freephone 0800 512 012 to speak to an advisor.