Policy Developments
MPs Committee says proposed car tax changes are not unfair
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) says that there is "nothing intrinsically unfair or unusual" about setting new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for cars that have already been purchased. The Committee also welcomes the additional first-year tax which has come to be known as 'showroom tax' and intended to influence car buyers decisions at purchase. However, the EAC says that the reforms are not sufficiently ambitious and won't cut CO2 emissions from road transport as much as is needed.
more >
International Developments
Spain to reduce speed limits to save energy
Spain plans to reduce speed limits on dual carriageways near cities to 50mph as part of a package of measures designed to save energy, cut carbon emissions and reduce the country’s high fuel import bill.
more >
EC may appoint Commissioner for Climate Change
The European Commission may appoint a commissioner dedicated to tackling the challenge of climate change according to a report by ENDS. The appointment would unite climate-related issues which currently cross several different departments in the Commission.
more >
International expert group establishes draft environmental standards for biofuels
A group of UN-backed experts has issued a first draft of new sustainability standards for biofuels. The draft provides a methodology for assessing the economic, social and environmental effects of biofuels. The methodology is based on the work of the LowCVP.
more >
French Government declares car 'feebates' system a success
The bonus/malus or feebate system which has been introduced in France to encourage car buyers to make 'greener' purchase choices has been declared a success by the French environment minister. Encouraged by the early indications from the scheme, Jean-Louis Borloo has called for the system to be applied to other types of products - including televisions, computers, tyres and some electrical products.
more >
Reports & Studies
Road transport is main source of air pollutants in EU - EEA
A new European Environment Agency report shows road transport is the EU’s main source of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and non-methane volatile organic compounds, as well as the second-most important source of dust or ‘fine particulate emissions’.
more >
Renewable Fuels Agency publishes first report on biofuels use and origins
The first monthly report of the Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) on fuels supplied under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) covering the period 15 April - 14 May 2008 was released in August.
Biofuels accounted for 2.14% of UK road fuel during April-May 2008 against a target for the year of 2.5%, set under the RTFO. Most of the biofuel supplied (86%) was biodiesel. In this first month, 19% of biofuels met environmental standards compared to a target for the year of 30%.
more >
Sustainability rises rapidly up car company priorities - IBM executive survey
Sustainability is now the second most important priority for the automotive industry, after technological progress, according to a survey based on interviews with 125 car company executives in 15 countries, according to a report by the IBM Institute for Business Value. Hybridisation and battery technology are expected to lead the drive towards greater environmental sustainability according to the report.
more >
International Auto Federation says industry making 'uneven progress' in efforts to cut emissions
Some car makers are making better progress than others in reducing CO2 emissions and other exhaust pollutants according to a report by the International Automotive Federation (FIA). The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport and represents motoring organisations and car users.
more >
Consultations
EC consults on post-Kyoto climate change policy
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on Europe's approach to a global climate change agreement post-2012 when the Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing greenhouse gases come to an end.
more >
Technology News
Motorists turning to electric cars
A survey of British drivers by car insurance company esure has found that almost three quarters (71%)of UK motorists would consider driving an electric car. The poll also shows that high fuel prices and the economic downturn are combining to change motorists' attitudes, with nearly one fifth thinking about changing their car for a more efficient model.
more >
Nissan to introduce 'ECO pedal' as aid to driving efficiency
Nissan has announced that it is to introduce an accelerator pedal that can help to optimise fuel efficiency and assist 'smarter driving'. The 'ECO pedal', which can be switched on or off by the driver, can push back on the driver's foot when it detects excess pressure and poor fuel efficiency. It will be introduced into some Nissan models from next year.
more >
LowCVP News
LowCVP annual conference gains plaudits
90% of attendees at the LowCVP's annual conference, which took place alongside the Motor Show on 23 July, rated the event as 'good' or 'very good' according to feedback received by the LowCVP secretariat. The vast majority of delegates who responded (over 30% of the attendees) also said the event was good value for money.
more >
Events
Energy Efficiency Finance and Investment Forum
1st Dec 2008
LowCVP members can benefit from a 10% discount on delegate fees for the second Energy Efficiency Finance and Investment Forum which will take place in London on 1-2 December. The market for efficient technologies presents a large range of opportunities for companies and investors across many industries. The event will look into the evolution of the energy service companies, the financing of green buildings and microgeneration and aims to unite industry representatives with the finance and investment community.
more >
