1. 1997

   • Kyoto treaty/protocol, United Nations Framework
     Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

2. 1998

   • EU sign the Kyoto protocol, with a target of 8% reduction in carbon emissions, on average, over 2008-2012 from 1990 baseline. The base year for the fluorinated greenhouse gases can be chosen as 1990 or 1995. The base year for all other greenhouse gases is 1990.
   • UK targets: are set at a 12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-12 against the 1990 base rate. A national goal of 20% C02 emission reduction by 2010 against 1990 baseline.

3. 2001

   • EU: Renewables Directive requests EU countries to source 22% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2010. The UK is required to source 10% by 2010.

4. 2003

   • UK: Energy White Paper states ambition for 60% cut in carbon emissions by 2050, with real progress by 2020, based on regulation, with fiscal and support measures. To be delivered through energy efficiency in the short term and renewables in the long term.

5. 2005

   • UK: Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, derived from the EU Bio fuels Directive which set targets for all EU countries to increase their bio fuel usage to 2% by end 2005 and 5.75% by end 2010. The UK obligation requires transport fuel suppliers to ensure that 5% of all road vehicle fuel by 2010 is supplied from sustainable renewable sources.

6. 2006

   • 165 countries further strengthen international co-operation to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases and to respond to climate change impacts. Emphasis on economic incentives to mitigate climate change; co-operation on r&d and transfer of cleaner technologies; establishing a carbon market and finding ways to involve the private sector in climate protection; address adaptation measures.
   • Building Regulations: Part L are revised to meet the requirements of the EU Directive on energy performance of buildings. These regulations apply to buildings over 1,000m2 and should save one million tonnes of carbon per year by 2010

7. 2007

   • UK: strengthened Climate Change Bill Targets, initially to include the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK by at least 60% by 2050 and 26-32% by 2020, to be made more stringent. Emission reduction targets will be legally enforceable. 5 yearly "carbon budgets", set at least 15 years ahead, will be monitored by a powerful, independent expert committee on climate change, who will hold Government to account.
   • The Bill includes a: Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) – a mandatory emissions trading scheme, planned for introduction in 2009, targeting up to 5,000 large non-energy intensive organisations in the service or public sector, e.g. large local authorities. The commitment is to deliver a reduction of 1.2 million tonnes of carbon per year by 2020. The CRC will apply to all organisations whose electricity consumption is greater than 6,000mwh/yr, equivalent to and annual electricity bill of ~ $500k. It will include all fuels, bar transport, i.e. electricity, gas, fuel and oil.
   • Companies will be 'named and shamed' in a published league table outlining best and worst performers in terms of carbon emissions and reductions. Companies receive payments back from government in relation to relative performance in the tables.

8. 2007/8

   • UK: Energy Bill. Based on the four goals of the 2007 Energy White Paper to meet C02 emission targets; maintain security of energy supply; promote competitive markets in the UK and beyond and ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated.

9. 2008

   • Concerns rise that some bio fuels are not sustainable, as they lead to food inflation, rainforest destruction and social problems. Defra comment that fuel resources must be fuelly, economically and biologically feasible and calls for sustainability standards which are WTO/EU consistent.
   • EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, which sets legal minimums for the energy performance of all buildings. Energy performance certificates for new and refurbished buildings, whenever they are constructed, sold, or rented out. Asset certificates and operating certificates to be issued with the latter displayed for public buildings.