CIWM welcomes government announcement but says more is needed

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has welcomed the announcement by Vince Cable that waste will be one of five key sectors to be supported by Green Investment Bank (GIB) between now and 2015/16, and an early priority for the new UK Green Investments team at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. However, it is still concerned about the ability of the GIB to address the longer term challenges.

CIWM chief executive, Steve Lee, said: “The confirmation that both commercial and industrial waste infrastructure and energy from waste facilities will be supported is encouraging, as is the commitment to making £100 million available quickly for smaller scale waste projects. However, far more investment in sustainable waste and resource management infrastructure will be needed if the UK is to build a genuinely low carbon economy.

“This industry is central to the green growth agenda, with an important role to play in improving both the UK’s resource efficiency and energy security. Thanks to a number of factors, however, it continues to be regarded as a higher risk sector in terms of attracting investment. It remains to be seen whether the GIB will be adequately structured and resourced to provide the right level of support to overcome these barriers and ensure that the UK has the infrastructure it needs to recover the maximum value from our waste. “

More information about the announcement can be found at http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2011/Dec/green-investment-bank-tak...