In June 2019, with the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019, the Government committed to a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared with 1990 levels. This is referred to as the net zero target.
The Government stated that net zero means “any emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage”.
Existing policies
The UK Government has a range of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change. The Government’s main climate change policy document is the Net Zero Strategy (Build Back Greener) which was published on 19 October 2021 (updated April 2022). It set out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet the Government’s net zero target by 2050. The Net Zero Strategy builds on the Government’s Ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution which was published on 18 November 2020.
These policies were updated in March 2023 with a suite of publications under the policy paper, Powering Up Britain that included the Powering Up Britain: Net Zero Growth Plan.
Other policy documents include:
Go Carbon Free Partnership Application
Partner Request Form ( CRF02 )
Additional Policies
The following policies contain further information on some of the Government’s net zero policies and related topics:
The role of local government in reaching net zero, June 2023
Independent Review of Net Zero, February 2023
Electric vehicles and infrastructure, February 2023
Government support for marine renewables, December 2022
Sustainability of burning trees for energy generation in the UK, December 2022
Estimates Day debate: The Spending of the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on action on climate change and decarbonisation, July 2022
The future hydrogen economy, June 2022
Where will Britain’s future energy supply come from?, May 2022
Aviation, decarbonisation and climate change, September 2021
Guidance and Understanding Grants.
It is crucial to be aware of the financial assistance available for your business or home. At NECRA we provide free, impartial guidance on various schemes, initiatives, grants, and funding that may be available to you. We are eager to partner with organisations and individuals committed to reducing the carbon footprint of UK businesses. Your involvement in our scheme will provide crucial support and guidance to other enterprises striving for sustainability. Whether through sponsorship, collaborative initiatives, or other forms of partnership, your expertise and resources can make a significant impact. We invite you to contact us to discuss how we can work together to foster a greener, more sustainable future for the business community. Join us in our mission to lead UK businesses towards a more environmentally responsible path.
Government policy on reaching Net Zero by 2050 Research Briefing Published Friday, 02 June, 2023
Background
In June 2019, with the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019, the Government committed to a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared with 1990 levels. This is referred to as the net zero target.
The Government stated that net zero means “any emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage”.
Existing policies
The UK Government has a range of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change. The Government’s main climate change policy document is the Net Zero Strategy (Build Back Greener) which was published on 19 October 2021 (updated April 2022). It set out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet the Government’s net zero target by 2050. The Net Zero Strategy builds on the Government’s Ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution which was published on 18 November 2020.
These policies were updated in March 2023 with a suite of publications under the policy paper, Powering Up Britain that included the Powering Up Britain: Net Zero Growth Plan.
Other policy documents include:
- Green Finance Strategy, March 2023
- British energy security strategy, April 2022
- Transport decarbonisation plan, July 2021
- Industrial decarbonisation strategy, March 2021
- Hydrogen strategy, August 2021
- Heat and Buildings Strategy, October 2021
- Energy net zero white paper, December 2020
Climate Change Committee progress report
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008. It advises the UK Government and devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) on emissions targets and reports to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The CCC’s latest annual Progress Report to Parliament was published in June 2022. The report notes that “emissions rose 4% in 2021 compared with 2020 as the economy began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic”.
The full 2022 Progress Report to Parliament contains detailed chapters on these and other sectors. Each chapter provides information on emissions trends, progress towards net zero, and an assessment of relevant policies.
The Government responded to the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) Annual Progress Report 2022 Recommendations (PDF) in March 2023.
Independent review of net zero
On 13 January 2022, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published Mission Zero: Independent Review of Net Zero. The review was commissioned by the BEIS Secretary of State in September 2022 and conducted by former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore MP.
The review made 129 recommendations to Government and proposed 25 key actions. In March 2023, the Government published its response to the review stating that:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): The government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, promoting the adoption of EVs.
- Public Transport: Investments in public transport infrastructure aim to reduce car dependency. This includes expanding bus, train, and tram services.
- Cycling and Walking: Initiatives like the Active Travel Fund encourage cycling and walking, with dedicated lanes and better pedestrian infrastructure.
- Alternative Fuels: Development of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and biofuels, for vehicles and public transport systems.
- Local Projects: Community energy projects, such as solar panel installations and community-owned wind turbines, empower local action.
- Volunteering: Opportunities for volunteering in environmental conservation projects, tree planting, and local clean-up events.
- Education: Schools and community groups are educating citizens about sustainability practices and environmental stewardship.
- Partnerships: Collaboration between local governments, businesses, and non-profits to implement green initiatives and share best practices.
- Home Improvements: Programs like the Green Homes Grant offer vouchers for home insulation, double glazing, and energy-efficient heating systems.
- Smart Meters: The rollout of smart meters helps households and businesses monitor and reduce their energy consumption.
- Building Regulations: New building regulations mandate higher energy efficiency standards for new constructions and renovations.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to raise awareness about energy-saving practices, such as using energy-efficient appliances and reducing waste.