Environmental policies and procedures in both the public and
private sectors are now ubiquitous. This article examines the
motivations and incentives of those public authorities who have
embraced the current climate for energy efficiency policies and
more generally "green ethics".
Reasons For 'Going Green'
The Kyoto Protocol has prescribed that the UK will reduce its
carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5%. Furthermore,
the UK is imposing on itself legally binding national targets to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 26-32% by 2020 and 60% by 2050.
Central to meeting these targets is greater energy efficiency in
buildings, as buildings are responsible for approximately 50% of
the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions. An increase in the use
of renewable energy will also be central in facilitating the above
targets being met.
