British companies showcase "low-carbon" know-how at GLOBE

Vancouver, British Columbia (March 14, 2012) – The United Kingdom's strong expertise and know-how in the sustainability and environment sectors are being showcased this week by British business and government leaders attending GLOBE 2012, one of the world's most influential environment-focused forums.

The more than 20 British companies – including UK Trade & Investment's delegation of 15 organizations – exemplify the country's expansive expertise in the low-carbon and sustainability sectors. The array of companies from Great Britain – which is the world's sixth largest market for low-carbon and environmental goods and services – range from carbon-reduction experts to clean energy providers and specialists in recycling and waste management.

"The delegation of British businesses coming to GLOBE 2012 is a strong demonstration of Great Britain and Canada putting sustainability and low-carbon approaches at the forefront of their national agendas to spur economic growth, protect the environment and position each country for long-term success," said Dr. Andrew Pocock, British High Commissioner to Canada.

"As the governments, businesses and people of each nation continue to address environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions, the exchange of technologies and know-how will be key to evolving the economies of both regions," said Dr. Pocock.

British businesses and organizations see strong potential for partnerships across a variety of environment and energy sectors. British Columbia, for example, has a carbon-pricing scheme – a rarity in North America – that creates an attractive market for companies like London-based EP&T Global, which works with property owners to reduce emissions, energy and waste.

"It's time for businesses, cities, regions and nations to scale up their strong sustainability ambitions into reality, which can be achieved through tapping into technologies and best practices from around the world that actually reduce emissions and save money," said Keith Gunaratne, chief executive, EP&T. "Best-of British technology and know-how is playing a leading role in the global transition to cleaner economies and low-carbon approaches."
The UK's ambitious low-carbon policies – including reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 – are a core driver behind the country's extensive capabilities being developed. The nation already is recognized as the global leader in offshore wind expertise, and is gaining a reputation as a leader in several other sectors. The Green Deal, a UK government initiative to retrofit 26 million British buildings, is positioning the UK as a global frontrunner in green building and energy efficiency expertise.
"The UK's world-leading policy framework and firm commitment to a sustainable economy makes Great Britain an important international partner to draw upon and collaborate with to achieve a low-carbon future," said Michael Rosenfeld, UK Trade and Investment, Vice-Consul – Clean Technology Sector Lead Officer.

The UK continues to be globally recognized as a hub for developing clean energy and supporting low-carbon innovation. The nation rose to #5 on a recent index of the world's most attractive countries for renewable energy investment by Ernst & Young. Great Britain was also recently acknowledged as a top ten location in the world to produce clean technology start-up companies, according to an inaugural study by the Cleantech Group and WWF.

Many of the UK's new technologies and solutions across the environmental and low-carbon industry are making impacts in North America, noted Rosenfeld. For example, Intelligent Energy, a UK-based fuel cell and clean power developer attending GLOBE 2012, has established operations in California and seeks partnerships in Canada. Already occupying an office in British Columbia, Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon is a UK-based hydropower turbine specialist looking to extend its footprint in Canada even further.

Alongside Intelligent Energy and Gilkes, 13 other UK delegate organizations have joined UK Trade & Investment this week at GLOBE 2012 and can be visited at booth #509. For more information contact Michael Rosenfeld, UK Trade & Investment, Vice Consul – Clean Technology Sector Lead Officer at (310) 420-0835 or mike.rosenfeld@uktradeinvestusa.com.


###

About UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy – acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media.

You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.