ENDS Report Bulletin articles

• Brussels launches action plan for sustainable consumption, production and industry
  The European Commission has proposed a sweeping new framework to improve the environmental performance of products and boost green production
• Eco-design Directive set for expansion
  Windows, taps and shower heads could be among the next products to come under scrutiny by the European Commission under new proposals to extend the eco-design Directive for energy-using products to all products that have an indirect impact on energy consumption during use
• EU moves towards mandatory green procurement criteria
  The European Commission has asked the Council of Ministers to support the introduction of mandatory environmental criteria for products below which public authorities would not be allowed to procure
• Ofgem issues green tariff guidelines
  Green electricity tariffs will have to produce "environmental benefits" beyond electricity companies' legal obligations from September, according to guidelines issued by Ofgem on Tuesday
• Small rabbit lands Anglian Water with big problem
  Anglian Water pulled a surprise out of the hat this week by admitting that its ongoing cryptosporidium problem in Northamptonshire was caused by a "small rabbit" entering a water supply tank
• Government delays biofuels target
  The government is to slow the increase in its biofuels targets following the advice of the Gallagher review, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly announced on Monday
• EU aviation emissions trading deal finalised
  The European Parliament gave its formal approval to plans to include aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme (EUETS) on Tuesday
• London mayor ditches œ25 charge for high-emission cars
  Boris Johnson has scrapped proposals to raise the cost of entering London's congestion charging zone to œ25 for high CO₂-emitting vehicles.
• BERR consults on carbon capture and storage
  Plans to require large new power stations to demonstrate they are 'carbon capture ready' were published for consultation on Monday by the Business Department (BERR). It also announced the shortlist of candidates seeking government support to build a demonstration plant
• Councils pledge to cut CO₂ emissions
  Environmental targets agreed between English local authorities and central government were published on Monday

The ENDS Report

• Green firms hope to avoid slump
  Current economic woes may not hit the environment sector as hard as other industries.
• Rabbit causes crypto havoc
  A rabbit forced 250,000 people to boil water after getting into an Anglian Water plant.
• GM rethink urged
  The public and farmers have been urged to reconsider GM crops.
• Renewables target to be extended
  BERR has issued a consultation on lifting the Renewables Obligation for electricity to 35%.
• 'Green' electricity loses zero-carbon status
  New emissions reporting guidelines mean firms' emissions may double.
• First autoclave plant for non-clinical waste
  The UK's first autoclaving plant to treat non-clinical waste is due to open in August.
• CDM credits under pressure
  Fewer CDM carbon credits may be available after the introduction of tougher rules.
• World's big emitters inch towards a 2009 carbon deal
  G8 leaders meeting in Japan agree big emission cuts are needed, but are not so sure how to share the effort.
• Carbon Trust launches new standard
  Businesses committing to year-on-year emission cuts can become certified to a new standard.
• Tom Burke
  Time to stop dithering and press hard on the low-carbon accelerator