Comply with emissions trading requirements

Emissions Trading Schemes

If your business is energy-intensive or uses energy supplied on the half hourly market you may need to comply with mandatory emissions trading schemes.

For Scotland, see new guidance from the UK government from Jan 2021, for participating in the new UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS).

GOV.UK: Participating in the UK ETS

Under the NI Protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).  

European Union emissions trading system (EU ETS)

Energy-intensive businesses that release significant emissions into the atmosphere may need to obtain a greenhouse gas emissions permit under the EU ETS.

You may need a permit, for example, if your business is in the:

• energy sector
• production and processing of ferrous (iron-based) metals sector
• mineral sector - e.g. cement manufacture
• pulp and paper industry.

Under the system, businesses that emit fewer emissions than their permit allows can sell their excess to firms producing excessive emissions.

If you are unsure whether your business is covered by the EU ETS, you should contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) or Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

European Commission: EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme closed down - the final compliance year for participants was 2018 to 2019. Participants must maintain their evidence packs until 31 March 2025. Read more on: GOV.UK: CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme: closure guidance for participants

See our guidance: CRC Energy efficiency Scheme