The government could do more to promote business energy efficiency by clarifying its support for low-carbon initiatives, according to one group.
Paige Andrews, executive director of climate change policy analyst Climatico, claims that a single point of contact on issues relating to the low-carbon economy could enhance clarity and improve businesses' understanding of the options open to them.
"A central point of contact for matters related to the low carbon economy is highly desirable in order to facilitate the transmission of a clear and consistent message, help businesses understand the impact of government policy and encourage green investment," she says.
That investment could be into cutting the amount of business energy consumed, or into using more renewable power facilities as part of an overall eco-friendly energy mix in the workplace.
Ms Andrews adds that investments into green initiatives could be further encouraged if the government were to provide incentives in the form of credits or cash bonuses for businesses that spend on climate-friendly schemes.
Her comments follow proposals to establish a Green Investment Bank to help fund initiatives to raise environmental friendliness across the UK.
The Green Investment Bank Commission reported earlier this week on the challenge faced by home and business energy users and suppliers as they look to meet renewable energy targets for 2020.
Calling the scale of the challenge "unprecedented", the commission called for £550 billion of investment over the coming decade if the targets are to be met.
In order to optimise this, the report suggested focusing on the areas with the greatest potential speed to completion and maximum possible impact first, such as improving energy efficiency to reduce the overall amount of renewable energy generating capacity that is required.
The Green Investment Bank, a public-private model of funding with the ultimate aim of reducing emissions, should also work to remove barriers to investment that are currently holding back progress, the report adds.
