Top 10 Tips for preparing for the CRC Scheme

CRC is upon us! The scheme will have a big impact on the public sector and on larger private sector businesses, with around 20,000 organisations participating.

2010 is the first compliance year and is when organisations need to measure their footprint and register. 

There has already been much publicity about the scheme so Mark Howard, Head of Environmental Law at Michelmores, offers his top 10 tips for this "Footprint" year.

Top 10 Tips for preparing for the CRC Scheme

1. Have you got a half hourly meter?
If so, check with the Environment Agency what you need to do - they should have sent you a registration pack but may not have done! Responsibility for registration rests with you, so if in doubt then ask the Environment Agency.

2. Do not use estimated bills
You must have accurate data, or you will be penalised.

3. Usage of 3,000 MWh per year means you still have to record
You may not reach the level of 6,000 MWh per year for full participation, but if you use 3,000 MWh per year then you may still have to register and record.

4. Start recording from April 2010
You do not have to register until September 2010, but you still need to record usage from April.

5. Landlord or Tenant? 
CRC will probably not be adequately picked up in existing lease arrangements, so talk to your landlords/tenants and try to get agreements in place for how you will deal with CRC. 

6. Local Authority? Start thinking about schools
They will be part of your allocation but you may not have any control over their usage - speak to them.

7. It is not just electricity
The level of your electricity use determines whether you have to participate in the scheme. But once you are in, gas and other fuel use also gets taken into account - and you have to report it all!

8. Who is responsible in your organisation?
It makes sense to nominate one person to be responsible. But remember - input will be needed from many people, so cooperation is essential.

9. Register promptly
There is a fixed late registration fine of £5,000 plus £500 per day following the registration deadline, so bear in mind that it can take up to one month to register for the Scheme. Don't wait until the last minute and risk a fine.

10. Get over the shock of participating and get on with it
Work at reducing your carbon footprint as quickly as possible. CO² cost in UK has been set at £12/tonne until 2013. After that fixed price expires, the carbon trading market opens and the worst case cost estimate is £220/tonne! So get reducing carbon emissions before the pain begins.

CRC is a complicated scheme and these 10 tips are really just intended to be some helpful reminders.

Our Environmental Team contains experts in CRC who have been advising on and reviewing the Scheme since its inception.

If you have any questions about the CRC, please speak to Mark Howard, Head of Environmental Law at Michelmores:

T: 01392 688688
E: mark.howard@michelmores.com

This article is for general information only and is not intended to constitute professional advice. No duty of care is assumed to any direct or indirect recipient and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy.