U.K. Launches New Sustainable Development Strategy

Renewable Energy Today, March 14, 2005

The U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recently announced the government's launch of a new scheme to promote sustainable development.

According to DEFRA, the scheme includes the development of a program that will enable government departments to offset the carbon impacts of air travel by April 2006. DEFRA said when there is no alternative to flying, the government will compensate for carbon dioxide emissions from flights by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

"Sustainable development is vital to building a decent future for everyone," said U.K. environment secretary Margaret Beckett. "The government is leading by example but the strategy can't be delivered by the government alone. The government wants to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved, for local or global benefit."

Contact: DEFRA, phone 020-7270-8960, website http://www.defra.gov.uk.

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