Call on businesses to commit to greener practices

News Article - 22 May 2012
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Firms in the UK should take "concrete steps" to substantially reduce their carbon footprints, according to an engineering expert.

The chief executive of consulting engineers Atkins, Keith Clarke, told the Guardian that it is not enough for businesses to want to change their strategy, they must put this desire into practice.

Carbonaccounting software can play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of British businesses by identifying potential savings.

Mr Clarke has emphasised his company's green credentials, defining his approach to climate change as "carbon-critical design" and insisting that it is important to "move away from a carbon-based economy that uses carbon like it's free".

"We cannot simply design a road, a building or a town then ask key questions about energy use or environmental impact afterwards," he stated. "Carbon-critical design is about asking the right questions right from the start."

The Atkins chief pointed out that "climate change is a real and significant threat to mankind" and changes to weather patterns are already changing standards of design.

Prince Charles's latest accounts have revealed that he is committed to reducing his carbon footprint by reducing his air and rail travel, switching to green energy suppliers, converting cars to run on cooking oil and surplus wine and installing wood-chip stoves at his country homes.

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