Emissions trading schemes are important mechanisms for achieving emissions reductions across large sectors of the economy. They will play a significant role in meeting the ambitious targets in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act.
Emissions trading policy is devolved. However, Scottish Ministers and their UK counterparts agreed that both the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme should be implemented in a uniform manner across the UK. The Scottish Government works in close partnership with the UK Government and the other Devolved Administrations to develop and implement the UK's emissions trading policy.
The Environment Agency are the central administrator for both schemes and the regulator for England and Wales. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency are the enforcement body for organisations with their headquarters in Scotland.
Currently Scotland's largest emitters participate in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.