UK: The government’s decision to delay the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will also mean that the UK is diminishing the opportunity to achieve energy security, the single most important environmental goal, which is also central to economic prosperity, says national merchants business, Grafton Merchanting GB.

Like most other organisations involved in the building and environmental sector, Grafton, whose businesses include Buildbase, Plumbase, Jackson Building Centres and Selco Builders Warehouse, was disappointed by the announcement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that the launch of the RHI scheme would be postponed.

“This is a rather short-sighted decision because one of the main drivers towards a strong economy and business confidence in the future will be for the UK to secure a cost-effective, sustainable and reliable source of energy,” says Paul Roche, Grafton Group renewables director. “This should be the over-riding priority because energy security is essential for the UK within the global economy and it is the goal that has singular agreement across business, political and socio-economic circles.

“The chancellor’s announcement at the Conservative party conference that the UK will not take the lead in Europe when it comes to cutting carbon emissions, is a blow for the renewables sector. It may be a short-term policy solution to certain difficulties, but to stall the momentum of the government’s ambitious plans means that the UK is further away from the ‘Holy Grail’ - securing sustainable energy for the future and thereby enabling economic growth.”