Mission Zero - Independent Review of Net Zero
Danielle Heward
Founder @ Optimo - Certified B Corp. Optimising operations for Change-makers ??? People | Process | Technology | Information.
Earlier this month the results of a review of net zero efforts in the UK were published, which was led by Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE, former Energy Minister, and involved a consultation with investors, industry, and experts in different fields as well as the general public, businesses and other organisations.
The consultation ran from 29 September to 27 October 2022 and over 1800 responses were received, in addition to engagements with a further thousand participants of roundtable events across the UK.
I don't think I was the only one that read the introduction to the consultation and felt like they might be looking for excuses to ease off net zero efforts in the UK:
"The BEIS Secretary of State has commissioned a review to ensure that delivering the net zero target does not place undue burdens on businesses or consumers."
But since completion, the review has been described as a mechanism "to ask how the UK could better meet its net zero commitments in a manner that was both more affordable, more efficient, and in a pro-business and pro-enterprise way" and contains some promising recommendations to push forwards with net zero efforts.
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Part of me feels frustrated that doing the right thing for the planet must be justified in economic terms, but thankfully one of the key headlines that has emerged says that 'Net zero is the growth opportunity of the 21st century' and it proves that the benefits outweigh the costs overall, which we know is one of the perceived barriers for some people and businesses. Efforts to achieve net zero will be a worthwhile investment, not a cost.
This review also suggests we can do more, go faster, recognise the importance of net zero and acknowledge that "there is no future economy but a green economy".
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There are 129 recommendations in total, which fall into six pillars:
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They include actions that can be taken across government,?infrastructure, businesses and general public and some of the items I'm particularly pleased to see include:
Finally, the review recognises the need for 'stable, long term, programmes' in the form of ten-year missions that can be established across sectors. This ‘Mission Zero’ approach should be set out between 2025 to 2035, with clear mandates to be achieved in this timescale. Hopefully with this approach we have a chance of really embedding some real change.
Read more and find the full report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-net-zero
What do you think?
Carbon Literacy Trainer | Interests in Decarbonising Food and Tech | Speaker | Training which Motivates Behaviour Change, reduces Environmental Impacts and drives Business Improvement
1 年Thanks for this summary and analysis Danielle. I'm sceptical and optimistic at the same time. The issue of cross departmental conflict and potential for collaboration was reported in depth in Henry Dimbley's Food Strategy Part 2 and little appears to have been done to implement its recommendations yet.
I love that they identified the need to change the way grants work here in the U.K. They are far too onerous to apply for, win, administer, and still build a world class business. Are we trying to glorify grants or build a more competitive and greener economy? Link funding to job creation in strategic areas as well as environmental impact. Make the funding self fulfilling such that projects that are successful will employ enough people to raise the tax revenue across the economy in line with the funding… including direct and indirect job creation. I know the government will say that’s how it works but in practice it’s an “old boys network” that supports the incumbents with a box ticking exorcise rather than growing the industrial base, IMHO.
Moving Stories to Connect, Inspire action, Drive Change | Visual Storytelling | Film | Images | Advertising
1 年I think building the skills, education and investment is vital if we want to reach the target. The fact that you were there and that theee conversations are happening is magnificent
Impactful branding, engaging marketing, low-carbon websites & green hosting for purpose-led SME's | Creating good work for good people
1 年I submitted a response to the consultation and at the time I was concerned that it was going to be used as a way for the Government to water down net zero goals, as it certainly seemed like that was the purpose. I'm incredibly pleased to see that the results state that 'net zero is the growth opportunity of the 21st century' and that "there is no future economy but a green economy".
Providing eco-friendly, sustainable building materials that save money & save the environment | Winner of Grand Designs Green Heroes 2021
1 年A very interest post Danielle Heward. I'll certainly now read more info on the review.