This article was co-authored by Alainah Amer and Jeff House, Baxi's Director of External Affairs & Policy. Baxi sponsored Policy Connect and Carbon Connect's 2021 report, 'Connecting the Watts: The Case for a Net Zero Delivery Authority'. 

While the path to net-zero requires us all to play a role, both in a personal and corporate capacity, the key responsibility lies in the hands of the Government.

The UK Government has hit many milestones on its journey towards net zero from increasing the generation of electricity powered by renewable sources to being the fastest decarbonising western country. However, experts including the Climate Change Committee, have warned that at current pace, the UK is likely to miss its legal obligation to reach net zero by 2050.[1]

Inconsistent Policy Direction

In recent times, the UK’s approach to emissions reduction has often been somewhat patchy and unclear which, in some sectors, has slowed the  transition to net zero. The previous government watered-down or withdrew several key policies, including delaying the prohibition on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, delaying the aniticipated phasing out of new gas and oil boiler installations and scrapping the obligation for landlords to improve the efficiency standards of private rental homes. These policy U-turns have created uncertainty and undermined investment needed to decarbonise the economy. To ensure industry, local government, and households collectively play their role in transitioning to net zero, the Government needs to provide clear dialogue on the policy direction, reform the planning system to remove barriers, and provide appropriate incentives to drive change. Clear signals backed up by a comprehensive consumer engagement strategy will be a necessary component of the transition. Businesses react to consumer demand therefore we need to generate consumer pull, at scale, for key technologies such as heat pumps.

The Labour Party are now paving their own path to net zero by hitting the ground running having reformed the planning restrictions for onshore wind and establishing the GB Energy Bill. These are both welcomed policy changes, but it is yet to be seen how the Government plans to deliver their ambitions for net zero in a short time frame.

Co-ordinated Approach

Along with clear policy, the Government needs a coordinated approach that connects central to local, people to policymakers and the UK to its net zero-carbon future. In 2021, Policy Connect published a report titled ‘Connecting the Watts’ which called for a Net Zero Delivery Authority. This authority should be an independent public body which provides leadership and coordinates delivery of government strategies between the national and local levels, inform practicable strategies through greater understanding of the ground reality, engage with communities, and connect net zero agencies. All while keeping a just transition at the heart of every net zero programme.

[1] UK off track for Net Zero, say country’s climate advisors - Climate Change Committee (theccc.org.uk)