Consumers need a say in the next stage of net zero
Today the COVID Recovery Commission published its final report, which shows how businesses, government and society can work together to increase prosperity across the UK.
I am a member of the Commission, alongside senior leaders from Tesco, Heathrow Airport, Vodafone, AstraZeneca and other UK-based businesses. At the heart of our recommendations is the belief that the 21st century calls for a different form of capitalism, one where businesses have a greater role to play in supporting and driving the delivery of shared societal goals.
In my sector, for example, this new approach will be critical to achieving the UK’s climate goals, including net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The UK has already halved emissions since 1990, thanks to emissions in the power sector falling an impressive 70%.
But the next stage of decarbonisation will be much harder because people will have to make changes in their homes – by installing insulation and electric heat pumps, for example. According to the citizen-led UK Climate Assembly, many people worry such changes will be costly, complicated or disruptive. And all too often, government policy has added, rather than reduced, complexity.
A new approach is needed. The COVID Recovery Commission has proposed one solution, a National Deal on Net Zero Homes. This would be a new approach to policymaking where households would detail the barriers to decarbonising their homes. The heating industry - energy companies, builders, and installers - would propose a plan to tackle those barriers. And government would provide the long-term funding and policy environment required to invest in solutions.
If the UK is serious about the next phase of net zero, decarbonisation needs to be easy and affordable. And for that to happen, consumers need more of a say, as the report shows.
Corporate Affairs l Public Policy l Government Relations l Strategic Communications l Talent Management l Transformational Leadership Professional
3yCustomers always lead the way. Never underestimate the power of engagement.
Green Chemical Engineer
3yHow can customers and government choose the best options when companies hoping to protect their own interests twist the facts put before them ? Its also at epidemic levels with some big fibs going around. Suggest what is needed is for independent knowledgeable organisations to evaluate the options and present these to government and customers on a level playing field. Then listen and decide. Not the organisations / consultants already working for and in bed with vested interests, we know how that works, working back from the answer their clients want to hear.
Senior Geoscientist, UK Carbon Transportation & Storage. All views my own.
3ySpot on. Too many barriers and complexity to access government grants/funds, which just serves to put consumers off, no matter how well-intentioned. They also need to consider the differing setups and needs of rural vs. urban householders.
Managing Director at AD Consulting & Engineering Ltd - Energy Security and Storage Training Creator for the Energy Institute, UK. Independent Consultant
3yThanks for posting Sinead Lynch . As a consumer my choice for home heating will be for a renewable electricity powered heat pump with local heat storage to manage extreme cold days.