Review urges action on net zero measures
13 January 2023
A review of the government’s net zero strategy reports that the UK could do more and act more quickly to encourage take-up of improvement measures and to promote the economic benefits of doing so.
Former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore has published his Mission Zero review containing 129 recommendations covering areas including the greater role that business can be supported to play, making better use of infrastructure and delivering more energy efficient homes.
This is alongside the previously stated aim of working towards achieving legally binding targets to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The proposals include reviewing incentives for investment in decarbonisation, including via the tax system, and launching a Help to Grow Green campaign offering information and advice to small businesses so they can plan ahead.
The report also recommends legislating for the Future Homes Standard so that no new homes will be built with a gas boiler from 2025, with a 10-year programme to make heat pumps a widespread technology in the UK.
Such actions could create demand for hired tools and equipment to carry out the necessary replacement and installation work.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the review also recommends the development of a cross-sectoral infrastructure strategy by 2025 to support the building and adaptation for new green energy sources, such as hydrogen, electricity, other liquid and gaseous fuels and CO2 networks, to support the green economy.
Since former prime minister Boris Johnson first talked of a ‘green industrial revolution’ back in 2020, debate on implementing action on such infrastructure provision has been somewhat muted.
Chris Skidmore’s review also recommends establishing an Office for Net Zero Delivery, responsible for placing net zero delivery at the heart of government thinking, so perhaps the green revolution will start rolling with more impetus soon.
It certainly needs to. Moreover, the average person, along with typical businesses, should be educated more broadly on the theory behind net zero actions and perhaps encouraged to adopt appropriate measures.
As the report itself states: “We must move quickly. We have heard from businesses that economic opportunities are being missed today because of weaknesses in the UK’s investment environment – whether that be skills shortages or inconsistent policy commitment. Moving quickly must include spending money. We know that investing in net zero today will be cheaper than delaying, as well as increasing the economic and climate benefits.”
