Carbon Reduction Promise
Net Zero Pledge 2050
In the UK and the rest of the world we are investing into completely renewable energy by the year 2050.
Government policy on reaching Net Zero by 2050 Research Briefing Published Friday, 02 June, 2023
What is NET ZERO 2050 ?
The UK has set ambitious Net Zero 2050 targets as part of its commitment to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The primary goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, meaning the amount of greenhouse gases emitted will be balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere. This includes a comprehensive plan to decarbonize various sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and industry. Key measures include phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, significantly increasing renewable energy capacity, improving energy efficiency in homes and buildings, and supporting the development of carbon capture and storage technologies. Additionally, the UK aims to promote sustainable land use and increase biodiversity, while also fostering innovation and green jobs to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Net Zero 2050 targets are a crucial part of the UK’s strategy to meet its international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and to safeguard the environment for future generations
01.
Sustainable Transportation
- 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.
02.
Community Involvement and Green Initiatives
- 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.
03.
Energy Efficiency Programs
- 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.
04.
Net Zero UK 2050
- Objective: The UK aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This goal means that any emissions produced will be balanced by removing an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
- Importance: Achieving net zero is crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change, protect ecosystems, and ensure a sustainable future.
- Legislation: The UK’s net zero target was enshrined in law in June 2019, making it one of the first major economies to commit to this goal.
- Strategies: Key strategies include transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in transportation, agriculture, and industry.
05.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
- Wind Power: The UK is a global leader in offshore wind energy, with significant projects like Hornsea One and Dogger Bank contributing to the grid.
- Solar Energy: Solar power installations are being expanded across the country, from residential rooftops to large solar farms.
- Hydropower and Tidal Energy: Investments are being made in hydropower and tidal energy projects to harness the power of water.
- Government Support: The government supports renewable energy through subsidies, grants, and incentives such as the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme.
06.
Financial Aid
With the Net Zero goals fast approaching we are doing everything we can to make sure the UK hits its goals. Local grants, government grants including many other incentives are there to help you make the transmission and do your bit.
- Government Websites: The UK government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) provides detailed information and updates on policies.
- Environmental Organizations: Groups like the Climate Coalition and Friends of the Earth offer resources and ways to get involved.
- Energy Savings Trust: Offers advice and information on energy efficiency and renewable energy options for households and businesses.
Carbon Reduction Scheme
To apply , please see your local business hub for further information. More details can be found below.
20 September 2023
Net Zero Pledge
PM recommits UK to Net Zero by 2050 and pledges a “fairer” path to achieving target to ease the financial burden on British families
UK’s over-delivery on reducing emissions provides space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero.
- UK’s over-delivery on reducing emissions provides space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero, while maintaining all our international commitments
- Ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars
- Ban on new fossil fuel boilers
Don't Get Left Behind!
Apply for help when switching your property to green energy. This fund is here to help property’s switch to green energy and reduce their carbon footprint and to help the UK reach the NET ZERO GOALS for 2030 and 2050.
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:
We agree with the review’s conclusion that net zero is the growth opportunity of the 21st century and could offer major economic opportunities to the UK – but that decisive action is needed to seize these. Other countries such as the USA with the Inflation Reduction Act are moving quickly, and we must do the same. We are focused on unlocking the ambition of places and communities to deliver net zero by 2050.
A Lords Library briefing on the Skidmore Review (January, 2023) provides further information on the scope of the briefing, its findings and Government and wider stakeholder reaction.
Energy Bill
The Government’s Energy Bill 2022-23 was introduced in the House of Lords on 6 July 2022. The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 25 April 2023. Second reading was on 9 May 2023.
The Government’s Energy Security Bill overarching factsheet explained that the Bill “will deliver a cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy system for the long term”, building on the commitments in the April 2022 British Energy Security Strategy to “invest in homegrown energy and maintain the diversity and resilience of the UK’s energy supply”.
The Commons Library briefing Energy Bill [HL] 2022-23: Overview provides further details on the Bill and links to a series of more detailed Library briefings on specific areas of the Bill.
Carbon Budget Delivery Plan
The Government’s Carbon Budget Delivery Plan (March 2023) fulfils statutory duties under the Climate Change Act 2008 setting out a package of proposals and policies, and associated timescales and delivery risks, that enable Carbon Budgets 4-6, which cover the periods 2023-27, 2028-32 and 2033-37 respectively, to be met.
The plan estimates that its quantified proposals and policies will give over 100% of savings required to meet Carbon Budget 4 and 5 and 97% of the savings required to meet Carbon Budget 6.
Funding
- The Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 confirmed that since March 2021 the Government committed a total of £30 billion of public investment for the green industrial revolution in the UK.
- The Autumn Statement 2022 made available £6 billion additional funding to drive improvements in energy efficiency.
- The Spring Budget 2023 made up to £20 billion available for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).
- Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, March 2021, is a £1 billion fund to accelerate the commercialisation of low-carbon technologies, systems and business models in power, buildings, and industry.
Additional Library briefings
The following Library briefings contain further information on some of the Government’s net zero policies and related topics:
- Independent Review of Net Zero, February 2023
- Electric vehicles and infrastructure, February 2023
- Government support for marine renewables, December 2022
- The future hydrogen economy, June 2022
- Aviation, decarbonisation and climate change, September 2021