UK CO2 emissions down 29% since 1990

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Britain dropped 29 per cent between 1990 and 2014, according to the latest greenhouse gas figures from the Department of Energy & Climate Change.

The report states that, from 1990 to 2014, greenhouse gas emissions fell from 800 to 514.4 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). This was a decline of more than a third, of which carbon dioxide accounted for 82 per cent. The study also confirms that the UK’s current and future emissions reductions targets are being comfortably met.

In 2014, the business sector was responsible for 17 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, in large part due to energy-efficiency improvements in industrial and commercial electric motor-driven processes. These include everything from HVAC systems within offices, healthcare centres and educational facilities to pumps, conveyors and mixers in factories and production plants.

The efficiency of electric motors in the UK has greatly improved in recent years, especially since the European Minimum Energy Performance Standard (EU MEPS) was introduced in 2011. The latest revision of EU MEPS states that all motors placed on the European market with a rated output of 7.5 – 375 kW must meet either IE2 efficiency or IE2 if combined with a variable-speed drive (VSD).

Speaking of which, the evolution of VSD technology over the last four decades has enabled British businesses to increase productivity while reducing electricity consumption by as much as 60 per cent.

Gibbons helps clients across all industries to improve energy efficiency, extend equipment life and save money by supplying a comprehensive package of electric motors, ABB drives, Lowara pumps, Bonfiglioli gearboxes, HVAC systems and much more.

Find out more about how we could help your business by calling 01621 868138 or email info@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.