Environmental analysis news: UK 'failing on energy efficiency improvements'

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has criticised the government for not doing enough to introduce energy efficiency measures to homes and workplaces.

Britain's progress towards a low-carbon economy is monitored by the CBI's Climate Change Tracker and the organisation reported that just four of its 24 indicators are currently on course.

Richard Lambert, CBI director-general, called on Westminster to focus on initiatives that do not require global agreements.

He said: "Improved energy efficiency can take us a long way towards meeting our commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and at the same time bring significant economic benefits to the country."

Mr Lambert stressed that his organisation's third Climate Change Tracker revealed that the UK is not taking the necessary steps to improve energy efficiency.

He described the government's boiler scrappage scheme, which was unveiled in the chancellor's pre-budget report, as a step in the right direction.

The initiative is expected to help 125,000 UK households replace old and inefficient boilers with newer models.

However, Mr Lambert added that it represents "the piecemeal" approach to energy conservation in the country and stated that a more coordinated effort is needed.

Posted by Lauren Steadman