News from Comply Direct

4 May 2012: Development of infrastructure to meet packaging targets

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:41:00 +0100

In December the government confirmed that plastics packaging recycling targets would be set to rise from 24% at present to 42% in 2017.

According to plastics recycling authority Recoup in order to meet the packaging targets the UK must develop the infrastructure for the processing ad recycling of mixed plastics and film.

Recoup has called for clearer labelling on plastic packaging stating whether it can be recycled to help iron out the public confusion.

The above comments were made at Recoup�s event �Understanding the plastics packaging journey� May 3rd 2012 where recycling minister Lord Taylor outlined plans to increase plastic bottle recycling in the UK.

Stuart Foster, chief executive at Recoup, said that we should continue to encourage the while local authorities to collect mixed plastics, however in order to do so the infrastructure needs to be developed in order to handle the additional capacity needed to meet the targets.

Mr Foster stressed the importance of communication with consumers indicating that clearer labelling on plastic packaging was a necessity.

To find out more about RECOUP please visit their website.

23 April 2012: Alarm at initial Q1 2012 Packaging Waste Recycling Levels

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:38:00 +0100

The Environment Agency have recently published the Q1 2012 data relating to the amount of packaging waste being recycled in the UK. The most alarming figure is that of plastic which is down almost 20% on Q1 2011 plastic recycled figures.

If we are to presume that the 2012 plastic obligation is similar to that of 2011 and if we consider that we have some carry over plastic PRNS from 2011 into 2012, then in order to hit the 2012 plastic obligation we need to be seeing approximately 145KT being recycled each quarter. The actual figure for Q1 2012 for plastic is 116KT. This is a shortfall of 29KT that is very significant and is very likely to drive the price of plastic towards �15 to �20 during Q2 2012.

Possible reasons for the drop in the levels of plastic waste being recycled include;

2011 plastic prices being low providing less of an incentive to become a 2012 accredited recycler or exporter (such companies may well become accredited during 2012 if the plastic PRNB price continues to rise)
The lack of sea freight container space reducing the ability to export plastic packaging for recycling abroad (this situation does not appear to be ending any time soon)
The demand from China for plastic packaging waste materials has dropped and the price they are willing to pay has also therefore dropped (however, there are some signs of the demand in China picking up again in late April)
There are many reprocessors and exporters that have not yet finalised their Q1 data submitted to the Environment Agency by the deadline date (however, when they do sign off their final Q1 2012 data we do not expect the PRN figures to alter too dramatically as much of their Q1 data should have already been captured in the Environment Agency figures published)

Given the poor performance in Q1 2012 in plastic recycling then the decision to increase the plastic recycling targets from 2013 to 2017 by 5% per year seems to be even more challenging for UK industry.

In addition to the plastic reduction, the figures for Q1 2012 also showed falls over 2011 levels for glass (15%), aluminium (25%) and wood (25%). If these figures were to continue each quarter throughout the remainder of 2012 then along with plastic the UK would not be able to meet its specific obligations in any of these materials as well as not being able to hit its overall recycling target. Reasons for the reductions in these materials are similar to those listed above for plastic.

In summary, although most predictions at the beginning of 2012 were of a relatively comfortable 2012 in terms of meeting UK PRN obligations the situation has been turned on its head and it now appears to be quite a challenge with Plastic at the front of the list of most challenging materials. However, there is sufficient time left for the recycling industry to address the shortfalls and it is likely that rising PRN prices over the coming months will provide the incentive for the recycling industry to do this. All eyes will be on the Q2 2012 data that will be released mid-summer.

19 April 2012: Guidance for classification of B2B WEEE with B2C characteristics

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:32:00 +0100

As a WEEE producer you may find yourself in a scenario where you are unable to classify the obligation of some of your products as household or non-household WEEE. The WEEE regulations state that commercial WEEE is to be classified as household WEEE where it is �similar in nature and quantity� when it becomes WEEE, however this can be difficult to determine in reality.

The Environment Agency has issued new guidance to try reduce the number of difficult scenarios. To summarise, the Environment Agency are saying that if you are a business with WEEE that could be found and disposed of in the same way in a household then you can then classify it as household WEEE. The guidance specifically states that 'It is not acceptable for businesses to dispose of WEEE in small lots simply to pass on their obligation into B2C WEEE'.�

There are still a number of grey areas, but this guidance certainly helps provide clarification on the definition of WEEE from private households to assist Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities, Approved Exporters and Producer Compliance Schemes in classifying WEEE correctly.

16 April 2012: Consultation on implementation of RoHS

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:03:00 +0100

On 12 April 2012, BIS launched a consultation on the implementation of the RoHS Directive in the UK.� The consultation can be read in conjunction with the consultation stage impact assessment.� Please note that whilst that document is marked "Final" on the cover, it is in fact the Consultation Stage impact assessment.� A final impact assessment will be made after the consultation process is complete.

Consultation:
Click here to download the consultation

Impact assessment:
Click here to download the impact assessment

The consultation closes on 6 July 2012.� You can find full details and further information about the process in the consultation paper.

28 March 2012: Consultation on simplified CRC scheme

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:31:00 +0100

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) is a mandatory UK-wide trading scheme introduced in April 2010 which targets emissions from large public and private sector organisations. It is designed to drive emissions reductions in the target sectors by incentivising the uptake of cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities through the application of financial and reputational drivers.

This consultation is being undertaken as a result of a broader simplification review and engagement with stakeholders. This consultation document builds on the vision set out in June 2011 and sets out specific proposals to simplify the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. These proposals take into account feedback from stakeholders on the June publication, feedback from the administrative burden survey and analysis of participant data from reports collected in July 2011.

The consultation document includes proposals which aim to streamline and simplify the scheme to create a new leaner, simplified and refocused CRC. The simplified CRC will deliver its energy efficiency and carbon reduction objectives whilst making compliance easier and less burdensome for participants.

Government is seeking views and evidence from all interested parties.

DECC will be holding consultation events in London and Manchester.

The deadline for responses to the consultation is Monday 18th June 2012.

Source: Department of Energy and Climate Change

26 March 2012: Flurry of WEEE Meetings

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:23:00 +0100

Last week saw a flurry of WEEE meetings for Comply Direct to attend.

There has been a WEEE Scheme Forum (WSF) meeting which is comprised of approved UK WEEE Producer Compliance Schemes and was set up back in 2006 to act as an interface with Government and other stakeholders to address the many practical issues associated with an effective and equitable implementation of the WEEE Directive into UK law. The WSF has been addressing various issues since and meets at least 4 times per year.

There was also an ICER meeting. ICER is a cross-industry association focusing on waste electrical and electronic equipment ("WEEE"). It represents a unique source of knowledge and expertise on WEEE and is probably the key forum for industry to get together and channel views to decision-makers in government. Members include WEEE producer compliance schemes, EEE producers, retailers, waste management companies, WEEE recyclers and WEEE exporters.

There has also been an event set up on behalf of the BIS IPR Working Group that was entitled The WEEE Stakeholder Forum. This event was held at the BIS Conference Centre in London and attended by producers, agency representatives, Defra and compliance schemes. The focus of this meeting was the implementation of Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) within The UK WEEE Regulations. Discussions centred on the definition of IPR, Article 8.2 of the WEEE Directive and how to encourage the Design in within EEE for end of life Re-use, Refurbishment and Recycling (DfR) consideration.

It is important for Comply Direct to participate in these meetings especially now that they are having greater significance as we move towards the implementation of The WEEE Recast in the UK by 2014. There will be significant changes for UK producers and we want to be at the forefront of discussions that will impact upon our WEEE membership base. Our aim is to represent the needs of our members. We want to make legislation light touch, keep the administrative burden to a minimum, ensure costs for producers are minimised and yet ensure benefits for the environment are maximised. As and when any clarity begins to form regarding proposed changes to UK WEEE legislation then members will be informed and member meetings will be set up.

If you have any specific questions regarding The WEEE Recast, The Red Tape Challenge or Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) then do not hesitate to contact the compliance team for further information.

23 March 2012: Red Tape Challenge Report Published

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:19:00 +0000

Defra has recently published a report that highlights the feedback they have received since April 2011 on environmental legislation ret tape and its effectiveness of lack of effectiveness. Of 255 environmental regulations reviewed, 132 will be improved, mainly through simplification or consolidation; 70 will be kept as they are, to uphold important environmental protections; and 53 obsolete regulations will be removed.

There will also be a new drive to introduce smarter implementation on the ground.

With regards to producer responsibility legislation then the red tape challenge process told Defra that the reporting and admin requirements of producer responsibility obligations are too burdensome for small businesses. Defra will now look to exempt more small businesses from the battery producer responsibility regulations without reducing battery recycling rates. For example, raising the current threshold from one to two tonnes would exempt an additional 10% of producers and raising it to 5 tonnes would exempt an additional 17% from the costs associated with these regulations.

Defra received comments about the admin burdens for SMEs of The Packaging Producer Responsibility Obligations but as a tax scheme, these regulations were not within the scope of the Red Tape Challenge but HM Treasury keeps all aspects of the tax system under review.

However, Defra does aim to increase the recycling of plastic packaging and will continue to make progress through the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in collaboration with industry and local authorities, and will explore the possibility of industry led voluntary Responsibility Deals on packaging to encourage the waste chain to work together to increase recycling. Defra also recently consulted on raising the targets on plastic packaging recycling, with a final decision announced in the Budget 2012 stating Plastic Recycling Targets will be increased by 5% per year from 2013.

BIS will also look to introduce regulatory changes to The UK WEEE Regulations from 2014 to try and reduce the cost of compliance with WEEE. One option being considered is giving producers a fixed minimum tonnage to finance, based on their market share. Another is a new central allocation system for local authority sites to help the schemes fully align collections with their members� obligations. Over the next three months BIS will work with industry to find an interim solution. One option is to calculate obligations based on the data from a previous compliance period to reduce uncertainty and help producers pay a more accurate amount.

One concern we would have at Comply Direct is regarding the proposal within this report to free businesses from having to fill in so called unnecessary waste transfer notes by allowing them to use other forms of evidence instead such as invoices. Our concern is that this could lead to potentially further movement of waste illegally and inhibit regulators from tracking such illegal movements of waste. We will see though in the detail as this report is merely a starting point rather than the end of the process of change and improvement.

Click here to read the full report.

22 March 2012: UK misses 2011 battery target

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:13:00 +0000

Provisional data made available by the Environment Agency (EA) relating to portable batteries being recycled in 2011 indicate that the UK interim collection target of 18% might have been missed by approved batteries compliance schemes. The final data will not be available for a couple of months but the provisional data shows that the target appears to have been missed although only narrowly missed by some 0.2%.

The 2011 target of 18% is not a legally binding target for the UK but has been put in place as interim measures to track improvements in the tonnages of portable batteries being collected in the run up to the first legally binding target of 25% in 2012.

Significant effort and further investment in the collection infrastructure now needs to take place through 2012 to ensure the 25% recycling target of portable batteries placed onto the market over the two preceding years is met. Targets then rise to 45% in 2015.

It should be said that significant steps have been made to date on portable batteries recycling in the UK and that getting close to the 18% target in 2011 is a significant achievement given 2010 levels were below 10%.

21 March 2012: Higher packaging targets confirmed

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:10:00 +0000

The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published the final 2011 packaging data. The vast majority of data returns have now been made relating to 2011 by UK reprocessors and exporters of packaging waste materials. The data shows no real surprises and generally the UK has performed very well in 2011 across all materials with all materials having a surplus carried over to 2012.

The weather in Q4 was not so severe as the previous year and this will have helped with the decent tonnages being handled particularly on Glass.� The strong performance on Glass should ensure that Glass PRNs remain below �10 during 2012 but with the new recycling targets also recently being published confirming a split Glass obligation from 2013 onwards (i.e. certain amount for re-melt applications and a certain amount for road aggregate) then Glass PRN could well rise in price in 2013.

The one material that needs some attention and focus is Plastic given the Q4 2011 tonnage recycled were less than in previous quarters in 2011. The reasons for this are a little unclear but the low PRN price will be a factor. Given the new 2013 targets for Plastic are very challenging (5% increases) then there will be supply pressure possibly pushing up Plastic PRN prices during 2012 and into 2013. Issues with the availability of sea freight containers for the export of packaging materials in Q1 2012 along with Chinese New Year have already begun to put some pressure on Plastic PRN prices for 2012.

Overall, the data shows that over 6.5 million tonnes in total of packaging waste materials were recovered and recycled in 2011 which is a similar performance to 2010.

To recap, the Government will legislate later in 2012 for increased statutory packaging recycling targets from 2013 to 2017. Targets will increase annually by 3 per cent for Aluminum, 5 per cent for Plastic and 1 per cent for Steel. The Glass recycling targets will be split by end use.

19 March 2012: Comply Direct 1930s super sleuths

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:55:00 +0000

Local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) stepped back in time to the 1930�s for an unusual fundraising event designed to raise vital money for the Trust�s work supporting the landscape, environment and communities of the Yorkshire Dales.

A 1930�s themed murder mystery evening was held at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel at Bolton Abbey and was attended by more than 70 people, raising �1,025 for the charity through ticket sales, a raffle and an auction.

Among the guests was YDMT business supporter Comply Direct; a Skipton-based compliance scheme which takes on the legal obligation of its member customers under various pieces of environmental legislation in addition to providing carbon and energy management solutions.

Jessica Tennant, Office Manager at Comply Direct said, �Not many of our staff had previously been to a murder mystery evening and we were not disappointed. We all thoroughly enjoyed the night from start to finish and it was a perfect team building event for us. Comply Direct are based in the gateway to the Dales at Broughton Hall and we always want to keep it in Yorkshire when we can. We have expanded our business for many years now and as a result have put in place a number of initiatives throughout 2012 to try and give something back to the local communities. As i say, this one did not disappoint and will hopefully be the first of many fundraising activities with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust helping us to make a positive contribution to the upkeep of the Dales.�

David Sharrod, YDMT Director commented, �I�d like to say a big thank you to everyone that came along to the murder mystery night, helping us to raise a whopping �1,025 for our work across the Dales.� We are also very grateful to The Devonshire Arms for kindly hosting this event as part of their support of the Trust as their charity partner of the year for 2011-12. I�d also like to thank the After Dark Murder Company for the excellent entertainment they provided.� It was very enjoyable and a great success.�

All money raised will help YDMT to continue charitable work across the Dales such as restoring wildflower meadows, planting new native woodlands, supporting local businesses, education and outreach work, and providing training programmes for young local people wishing to learn countryside management skills.

13 March 2012: Comply Direct help 'Hospital from Home' project

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:56:00 +0000

A CHARITY project that eases elderly people back into home life after a spell in hospital has been safeguarded � thanks to a big-hearted Skipton business.

The much-needed support from Comply Direct, based at Broughton Hall, will enable the Home From Hospital scheme to continue offering a lifeline to people living alone.

The initiative helps with everything from benefits guidance and restarting any home care; to making sure houses are safe, and that gas, electric and water supplies are in working order.

It is designed to make the return home as smooth as possible for older and vulnerable people living in Bradford and Craven, with no close family or support, after their discharge from Airedale Hospital.

As part of their welcome home, patients receive a hamper of food basics plus help to complete a simple safety checklist� from one of the friendly volunteers involved in the project, which is now run by the award-winning charity Carers� Resource.

It stepped in to manage the project last year after a lack of funding put its future at risk. Since then, the charity has managed to attract more volunteers plus sponsorship from Comply Direct � creating a platform for the scheme to relaunch. �Going home from hospital can be both an exciting and a daunting prospect for some elderly people who live alone,� said the Skipton and Bradford charity�s Head of Development, Anna Jackson. �This scheme means nobody will have to arrive home to a cold, dark empty house on their own � instead they will be made to feel confident and comfortable about being back home.
�We are grateful for Comply Direct�s financial support in giving the project a new lease of life.� But we need others in the community to follow their lead if the scheme is to survive and flourish in the long-term.� �It is a very popular initiative � and it would leave a big gap in our elderly community if it wasn�t there. We stay in contact with people for six weeks following their discharge from hospital and help them stay safe and well.�
Each hamper contains a selection of items to enable people to have one or two simple meals and hot drinks without having to worry about going shopping.

Gareth Roberts, Managing Director of Comply Direct, which helps companies meet their legal requirements under various environmental legislation, said: �Comply Direct is a local company based at Broughton Hall Business Park and we wanted to help a charity whose roots are also in this community and whose work makes a real difference to people�s lives.� Our business has achieved enough growth over the past few years for us to now be able to give something back and this project is one of a number of initiatives we have put in place for 2012. We had heard excellent things about the Carers� Resource and we are delighted to have been able to support this particular project.�

Anyone who wants to help the scheme, either in terms of sponsorship or by joining its team of volunteers, should contact the Carers� Resource on 01756 693666.

Source: Carers' Resource

5 March 2012: Raspberry Pi computer launched

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Comply Direct are proud to be able to draw your attention to the success of one of its WEEE compliance members, Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Raspberry Pi Foundation have recently launched their Raspberry Pi computer and it has been a real hit. The mini computer is about the size of a credit card and was developed and created by British scientists from Cambridge University with a keen interest in improving the UK computer science curriculum.

If you can buy one given demand is currently outstripping supply. They are available for just �22 + VAT and then see your children begin to write computer code through the Raspberry Pi software. All you need is a keyboard, mouse and computer screen to plug in.

As a member of Comply Direct for WEEE compliance, Raspberry Pi Foundation is obligated as a Producer under The UK WEEE Regulations and as a manufacturer of electrical or electronic equipment (EEE).

As their compliance scheme, on behalf of Raspberry Pi Foundation, Comply Direct register their details with the Environment Agency and help support them to achieve their other requirements as a WEEE producer which include;

Register with a government approved WEEE compliance scheme such as Comply Direct.
Ensure all EEE placed on the UK market is labelled with a producer identification mark (logo) that is identifiable to that product.
Ensure all EEE placed onto the UK market is labelled with the crossed out wheeled bin.
Ensure all EEE placed onto the UK market is labelled with a date signifier label to indicate that the product was placed onto the market after the introduction of the WEEE Directive (usually a black line under the bin).
Ensure their distributor customers are provided with their EEE Producer Registration Number as allocated by the Environment Agency once registered.
Fund the collection, treatment and recycling of their market share of Category 3 household EEE.

If you think your company might be obligated under the WEEE Regulations or if you would like to find out more, then please do not hesitate to get in touch by email or call on 0844 873 1034.
�
So finally, where did the name, Raspberry Pi come from?
�
Raspberry Pi came from a number of sources. The company wanted something memorable and child friendly. The �Raspberry� part was suggested due to the link to a number of other well known branded computers that have fruit names; the Pi part was a reference to Python, a learner friendly computer language that is implemented in the computer software.
�
The Raspberry Pi computer can be purchased through Premier Farnell and RS Components.

26 October 2011: New FREE recycling service

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:40:00 +0100

Through our sister company Recycling in Action, Comply Direct is now able to offer a free of charge UK wide toner and ink cartridge recycling service, providing you with a simple, smooth and effective service.

As you are probably now aware we have a strong presence in the Recycling and Waste Management arena and to assist many of our members and clients we would like to now offer you all a FREE toner and ink cartridge recycling service.

We will organise to have internal cardboard containers sent to your offices, you fill them up with your toners and ink cartridges and then contact us when they are ready for collection.

The contents of the box will then be recovered and recycled and diverted from landfill.� It is really important that we try and do as much as we can to highlight recyclable and recoverable waste streams, and through this process you are adhering to the �waste hierarchy�

Download the Waste Hierarchy guidance

If you would like to arrange a collection scheme for your business please contact value@recyclinginaction.com for the attention of Matthew Burton or call 0844 8731034 for more details.

18 July 2011: Your feedback is important to us

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:45:00 +0100

Here at Comply Direct we place great importance on gaining feedback from obligated producers so that we can match our service offering to the market demand.

Members - your feedback is important

If you are a member of a Comply Direct compliance scheme then please let us know your thoughts, we welcome all feedback good or bad as all we want to do is make our service meet what you need.

To say thank you for your views you will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win 50% off your 2012 Comply Direct membership fee:

How do you rate our packaging compliance scheme?

How do you rate our WEEE compliance scheme?

Not a member of Comply Direct yet?�

Even if you are not currently a member of Comply Direct your opinion is still important to us.

Let us know what you consider to be the important aspects of a compliance service.

What is most important to you in a compliance scheme?

If you are currently registered with another scheme for Packaging, WEEE or batteries compliance then call 01756 794951, or get in touch by email to find out a little more about the service we offer.

Alternatively, why not become a registered user to complete a cost comparison online.

17 May 2011: New Commercial Business Manager

Tue, 17 May 2011 09:50:00 +0100

We are happy to announce the arrival of Matthew Burton, our new Commercial Business Manager for Recycling in Action Ltd, the sister comply of Comply Direct Ltd�
Matthew is responsible for the day to day running and all commercial aspects of Recycling in Action Ltd. His initial focus is primarily to increase the amount of waste packaging materials being handled within Recycling in Action but to also develop all the service offerings of both Comply Direct and Recycling in Action. This will involve working with our partners at Uniserve to develop their customer supply chain offering in the areas of compliance, carbon and materials recycling.

Matt commented, �I am delighted to have joined such a forward thinking and progressive team of people and I look forward to helping the business develop its relationships with current clients and to fully explore opportunities in the future beyond our client base.�

Matt can be contacted via: matthew@recyclinginaction.com

Matt is already a key part of our team and we wish Matt the best of luck in this role!

http://www.uniservegroup.co.uk/

9 May 2011: Big Fines for late CRC reports

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:27:00 +0100

The deadline is fast approaching for those companies obligated under the Carbon Reduction Commitment to submit greenhouse gas emissions footprint reports and their first annual emissions data report. Those who are late doing so will face heavy fines.

The management consultancy company Pricewaterhouse Cooper, have warned that companies could face fines equivalent to between 5 and 11% of their energy bills.This is an enormous amount considering some companies spend over �20m on their energy bills. Companies face an initial fine of �5,000 and a further �500 for each day the report is not submitted. Finally, any discrepancies found within the report can trigger fines of �40 a tonne. For the company who spends �20m on their energy bills, they are looking at fines of over �80,000.� (endsreport.com).

Pricewaterhouse Cooper warns that despite the risk of fines and the looming deadlines, many companies are not prepared for the July cut-off date. Furthermore, Henry Le Fleming, carbon reporting specialist, warns last year�s registration phase was the easy part, �Many companies won�t have stressed their processes, systems and controls for gathering data�.��

28 March 2011: Less demand for recovered exports

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:08:00 +0100

The Chinese markets for recovered paper and plastics � An update on the Chinese markets for recovered paper and plastics reveals continuing strong Chinese demand for recovered paper and plastics.

That is the latest findings of the Waste & Resources Action Programme�s (WRAP) most market report on the Chinese markets for recovered paper and plastics as published March 21st. This report looks at the key developments in the Chinese markets for recovered paper and plastic including trends in demand, prices and the balance between imported and domestically recovered material.

Importantly the report highlights that �China is increasingly tapping into its own resources of domestically-recovered materials.� Imports will continue to remain an important part of meeting China�s need for material, WRAP states that �China�s supply of recovered materials but China seems likely to become�

The report shows that the import of recovered paper has decreased in China, with its level of recovered paper consumption imported falling from 45% in 2007 to 44% in 2009. WRAP claims that is likely that this figure would have fallen again for 2010. In the end, WRAP alleges that Chinese demand for UK exports of recovered paper will continue to grow steadily.

14 March 2011: Revised Guidance Notes for RoHS Directive

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:02:00 +0000

The Government have provided revised Guidance Notes for the RoHS Regulations in the UK.

Please find below a link to the recently revised Government Guidance Notes:�

Revised Government Guidance notes

Following agreement of a Recast RoHS Directive by the European Parliament in November 2010, we expect the new RoHS Directive to be approved in Council later next month, followed afterwards by publication in the Official Journal.� After publication there will be an 18 month period before the Directive must be transposed by member states.
�

13 December 2010: CRC consultation closes 17th December

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:38:00 +0000

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is currently consulting on how to simplify the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC).

The proposed changes will amend the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010 SI 768.

The consultation closes on 17 December 2010 with amendments to the legislation expected to come into force on 1 April 2011.

Who will be affected?
The proposed amendments are likely to affect those organisations that are participants or have to make in information disclosure in phase one of the scheme. The proposals may also be of interest to other businesses, public sector organisations, trade associations, non-governmental organisations and charities that may have CRC obligations in future phases.

Why is the scheme under consultation?
Changes to the CRC were announced in the government�s spending review, including:

simplifying the CRC
delaying the first sale of allowances from 2011 to 2012
revenue raised from sales of CRC allowances not to be recycled back to participants, instead it is proposed this is to support the public finances,

Although the decision has been made to remove the revenue recycling, the performance league table is to be kept as a reputation incentive for the scheme.

What are the proposed amendments?
The key amendments to the CRC Energy Efficiency scheme include:

extending the introductory phase by 12 months, so that it runs until March 2014
postponing the start of phase two until April 2013�
removing the requirement of organisations with less then 6,000MWh usage to register an information disclosure about their energy use in future phases.

The delay of the start of phase two would allow time to make further amendments to help simplify the CRC.

Commenting on the proposal
You can submit comments on the proposals until 17 December 2010.

Email: CRC@decc.gsi.gov.uk