17 June 2011
Seventy-two firms are calling for the EU to reduce emissions to 30% below 1990 levels by 2020, up from the current target of 20%. The companies involved have a combined turnover of more than €1 trillion ($1.4 trillion).
They include energy companies such as Centrica, National Grid and Dong, electrical equipment manufacturers such as Johnson Controls, BSH Bosch Siemens and Electrolux, and finance firms.Conservation group WWF, which is helping to coordinate the initiative, said the number of signatories has doubled in recent months.
“The companies are calling for a European policy framework that will spur innovation and investment, notably in renewables and energy efficiency, to ensure European energy security,” said the campaign group.
Luc Bas, director of European programmes at The Climate Group, another NGO involved in the initiative, said: "Now, more than ever, businesses realise that a clean industrial revolution is the only way forward for sustainable growth and job creation in Europe and the world".
The call comes ahead of a meeting next Tuesday of the European Environment Council, representing EU governments, and a vote in the European Parliament on moving beyond the 20% target next Thursday, which it is likely to support.
The firms backing the call are:
Acciona, Adolfo Dominguez, Allianz, Alpro, Arjowiggins graphic, Arkadin, ASDA, Atkins, Aviva, Aviva Investors, Barilla, Better Place, BNP Paribas, Boralex, BSH Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete, British Telecom, BSkyB, Capgemini, Carrefour, Centrica, Climate Change Capital, The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Crédit Agricole, Danfoss, Danone, DHV Group, DONG Energy, Electrolux, Elopak, Eneco, Eurostar, F&C Asset Management, Ferrero, First Solar, Google, H&M, If P&C Insurance Company Ltd, IKEA, InterfaceFLOR, John Lewis Partnership, Johnson Controls Inc, Kingfisher, Lafuma, Mango, Marks and Spencer, National Grid, Nestlé, Nike, Nokia Siemens Networks, Novo Nordisk, Philips, PUMA, Rockwool, RSA, Scottish and Southern Energy, SKAI Group of Companies, Sony Europe, Standard Life, Sveaskog, Swiss Re, Thames Water, The Co-operative Group, Tryg, Unicredit, Unilever, United Biscuits, Velux, Vestas, Vodafone, WSP Group.
Source: Mark Nicholls, Environmental Finance. To read the full story, click here.