GUEST ARTICLE: The New Government’s Path To Net Zero – Time To Turn Words Into Action

While we are still in the early days of the new Labour Government, it’s encouraging to see recognition of the climate crisis’ urgency in its plans for ‘national renewal’ as outlined in July’s King’s Speech. Equally important is the appreciation of the new job opportunities that can come from the UK leading the development of technologies to address it. Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy & Corporate Development, Planet Mark, writes the following guest article…

“However, words are one thing. We now need action. With a lot to do in a little time, prioritisation is key. Two pieces of legislation, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and the Great British Energy Bill, stand-out as particularly noteworthy.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill’s focus on sustainable development and growth is certainly welcome. Balancing greenbelt protection and housing needs is tricky, but balance is achievable, especially with greater support and emphasis on retrofitting to upgrade un-used or inefficient developments. Accelerating the planning system’s adoption of low-carbon materials and solutions for housebuilding and retrofitting will also be critical for meeting national net zero targets.

Furthermore, if well-implemented, the Great British Energy Bill will unquestionably accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition and commitment to net zero by 2050. Mission Control can streamline innovation in energy systems provided it has a clear mandate and ability to engage effectively with relevant departments and the private sector. Equally important is reducing red tape for green energy infrastructure, like offshore wind farms and electric car charging terminals, and shortening grid connection times.

‘A great initiative’ 

Nonetheless, while delivering on this legislation, the new Government must resist ending or altering existing processes and departments established by the previous government that work or showed promise. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is a prime example of a great initiative that doesn’t need sweeping reorganisation. They should also build on the Green Skills Task Force’s highly detailed report, full of insights and ideas from private enterprise, and leverage the newly formed Skills Bill England to emphasise the importance of partnerships with employers to build skills that accelerate a green revolution.

Additionally, there are many areas that still need consideration. Improving the sharing of critical data for net zero planning is essential if businesses are to create accurate and realistic net zero plans. Access to data like energy, water and waste usage, is vital but often held by commercial landlords with no obligation to share it with tenants. Cross-industry initiatives aiming to create open-source solutions for carbon-relevant data sharing like Project Perseus and PACT are well-worth UK government engaging with. It is also worth looking at the French ELAN Law and Tertiary Decree for inspiration on regulation to mandate data sharing between commercial landlords and tenants.

Long-term, the Labour Government should also establish a regulatory body for carbon accounting, similar to the Financial Conduct Authority, to ensure consistency, provide guidance, and hold organisations accountable.

The next few months are crucial for the Government to prove its commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges. Effective action now is vital to achieving net zero by 2050. Now, the Labour Government must follow-through, taking clear, tangible steps to ensure the successful realisation of net zero as the greatest commercial opportunity of our time.”