Expert Witness : Environment – page 9

Study shows significant reductions in CO2 emissions from ships from IMO measures

An IMO-commissioned study into the impact of mandatory energy efficiency measures for international shipping shows that implementation of the measures will lead to significant reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, specifically reductions of carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting from enhanced fuel efficiency.

The study found that, by 2020, an average of 151.5 million tonnes of annual CO2 reductions are estimated from the introduction of the measures, a figure that by 2030, will increase to an average of 330 million tonnes annually. CO2 reduction measures will result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption, leading to a significant saving in fuel costs to the shipping industry

Environmental Scientifics Group appoints Director

Steve Lynas joins as Group HR Director

Environmental Scientifics Group (ESG), the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services is pleased to announce that it has appointed Steve Lynas as Group HR Director.

Alex Sleeth, CEO says “we are delighted to welcome Steve to this new role. He is an experienced Director with a proven track record in leading HR functions within a number of market sectors, including the food and drinks industry. He also has an impressive reputation for his leadership and mentoring styles. At ESG, he will be responsible for both the HR & Payroll functions, ensuring that the HR Strategy is fully aligned with our business, as we continue to grow and develop our brand.”

Brownfield first

CIWEM’s Contaminated Land Network has expressed relief that Greg Clark MP has confirmed that the Government will not do away with the current, forward thinking and sustainable policy of building on brownfield sites before open greenfield land.

In the draft National Planning Policy Framework, currently being consulted on, the intention is to remove detailed planning guidance and withdraw and replace PPS23 (and its Annex 2) on Planning and Pollution Control by a short and focussed note. This direction aroused suspicion that the NPPF is a sop to the development lobby who can profit more from greenfield sites and to lawyers who will pounce on the lack of clarity for more appeals, challenges and inquiries.

RICS gains clarity on government plans for energy efficiency regulations

RICS has written to the Minister in charge of the Energy Bill, Greg Barker, and met with DECC officials to seek clarity on the details of certain proposed measures.

This follows Government amendments to the Energy Bill which remove the proposed independent review of the Green Deal measures in 2014 and impose the deadline of 1 April 2018 for residential and commercial landlords to bring their properties up to an 'E' rating.

Majority objected to badger cull before policy was approved

Evidence of overwhelming public opposition to the proposed cull of badgers was withheld until the Government had decided to go ahead with the controversial plan.

The results of a consultation held last year revealed that 69 per cent of respondents were against killing up to hundreds of thousands of the mammals in a bid to eradicate tuberculosis from cattle herds in England.