Mitsubishi urges UK government to back “green” technology

UK: Mitsubishi Electric has called on the UK government to pursue an increased focus on “greener” innovative technology as it rebuilds the economy post Covid-19.

The air conditioning and heat pump manufacturer has joined with over 200 signatories from leading companies across all sectors of the UK economy in an open letter to Boris Johnson. In it, the companies urge the PM to provide clear vision for recovery efforts that align with the UK’s wider social, environmental and climate goals.

The signatories come from both multi-national and national businesses, across industry sectors, including energy, finance, consumer goods, retail, construction, water and communication. 

The letter states: ‘With the UK facing major economic and social concerns including the risk of high unemployment and rising regional inequality, we believe that an ambitious low carbon growth and environmental improvement agenda can do a lot to address these concerns, as well as make the UK economy better prepared to deal with future shocks such as those related to climate change.’

Commenting on Mitsubishi Electric Europe’s involvement, branch president Deane Flint, said: “Uncertain times often result in dynamic change for the betterment of society; and despite the evident challenges that 2020 and the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 will bring to the Global economy, we at Mitsubishi Electric believe that an increased focus on innovative technology is now more important than ever.” 

He went on to predict “an accelerated alignment between the ‘new normal’ and a shift to greener technology”.

The open letter has been supported by The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group (CLG), the Aldersgate Group, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Business in the Community (BITC), the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and the Climate Group.

Together they have called on the UK to deliver a clean, just recovery, that creates quality employment and builds a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient UK economy for the future with a plan that includes an investment in low carbon innovation, infrastructure and industries, as well as improved resilience to future environmental risks. It also calls for a focus on support for sectors and activities that can best support sustainable growth, increased job creation and accelerate both the recovery and the decarbonisation of the economy.