Low carbon market keeps growing

The UK's low carbon market grew 4.3% during the year to £112bn, according to new figures.

The data, which was compiled by consultancy firm Innovas on behalf of UK Trade & Industry (UKTI), also revealed that over 900,000 people are now employed by businesses providing environmental goods and services.

In a further indication of the burgeoning strength of the carbon market, the carbon finance sector enjoyed the fastest growth rate of 7.9%, followed closely by the wind energy industry which grew 6.5%, and the solar market which grew 6%.

The weak pound also helped drive exports of low carbon goods, with the UK solar industry alone seeing exports expand by around a quarter to over £1bn.