This Information Paper explains how the carbon reduction commitment (CRC) scheme will work, its rationale, implications for participating organisations and how participants should prepare for its introduction. The CRC marks the first major expansion into the built environment of carbon trading and will be closely watched by policy-makers across Europe and around the world. In April 2010, the UK government is launching a pioneering, mandatory carbon trading scheme for large non-energy intensive organisations. The CRC will ultimately cap the carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel and electricity use of around 5000 organisations, such as banks, retail chains, local authorities, hospitals and universities, estimated to be responsible for approximately 10% of the CO₂ emitted in the UK. A4, 12 pages, 6 line drawing, 1 photo Contents About carbon trading The rationale for the CRC CRC regulations in detail - Qualification - Evidence packs - Allowances - League tables Financial implications Implications for particular sectors - Commercial property - Local authorities and franchise businesses - Construction Carbon pricing Developing a CRC compliance strategy Closing remarks CRC in summary References