Jump menu

United Kingdom

UNITED KINGDOM

Country Selector

Secondary Navigation | back to top

You are here:

Main content |  back to top

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC)

Information about the Carbon Reduction Commitment.

What is CRC?

The UK-wide CRC scheme, which is operated by The Environment Agency, began in April 2010 and applies mandatory emissions trading to cut carbon emissions from large private and public sector organisations.  

Will my business be affected?

Any organisation that used a total of 6GWh of half-hourly metered electricity in 2008, will be covered by the CRC.  Any questions regarding the installation of half-hourly meters on your premises should be directed to your electricity supplier.

You may wish to note that:

  • Parent companies are responsible for group companies.
  • Property owners will also be legally responsible in some circumstances.
  • If an organisation uses more than the threshold amount of half hourly electricity then their consumption of non-half hourly electricity, gas and liquid/solid fuels will also be covered by the CRC.  Please note that most transport emissions are exempt.
  • Businesses with half-hourly electricity meters installed, but electricity consumption under 6GWh p/a, will not be required to participate in the CRC.  However, such businesses will be asked to make energy consumption data available to the EA.
  • Emissions covered by other schemes such as EU ETS and CCAs are exempt.  However, it is up to each business to check whether or not it is a CRC participant. 

The above is not an exhaustive list of all the relevant factors that a CRC participant needs to consider.  Given that the CRC places a legal obligation on affected businesses, we would urge you to familiarise themselves with the CRC Guidelines - opens in new window. 

Key Dates

A list of relevant dates and milestones can be found on page 85 of the CRC user guide: CRC participant action plan – Introductory phase.  This also details information on the Evidence pack: Compiling the Evidence pack on page 35. 

Disclaimer: This note is intended to highlight your potential obligations under the CRC and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive description of the CRC. For full details you should contact your electricity supplier or the Scheme Administrator.