Sustainability & Construction Green Day Roundup

For weeks we have been waiting for major green economy announcements from the government on what was dubbed as ‘Energy Security Day’ or 'Green Day'.

In this Green Day edition of our newsletter, we'll be highlighting the news that's come as a result of 'Green Day' pertaining to the built environment and construction industry.

At a glance: Everything announced by the UK Government for ‘Green Day’

The UK Government published more than 2,800 pages of documents on Thursday (30 March) outlining plans to improve energy security, green the finance system and make its Net Zero strategy lawful. Edie rounds up the key announcements at a glance.

Government updates (some) green policies as part of revamped Net-Zero Growth Plan

The Government has published a “growth plan” for its Net Zero target, which details what recommendations will be integrated into policy following Chris Skidmore’s Review of the Net Zero Strategy and the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) annual progress suggestions.

‘Half-baked, half-hearted’: critics deride UK’s long-awaited climate strategy

UK’s 1,000-page plan criticised as doing ‘little to boost energy security, lower bills or meet climate goals’. The UK’s new energy plan is a missed opportunity full of “half-baked, half-hearted” policies that do not go far enough to power Britain’s climate goals, according to green business groups and academics.

‘Solid groundwork’ or ‘underwhelming’? Green groups react to UK Government’s Energy Security Plan

Reactions are coming in thick and fast to the UK Government’s new Energy Security Plan, with questions over whether measures to scale up renewable energy generation and make homes more energy efficient go far enough. Edie rounds up the reflections of key thought leaders.

Net Zero strategy shows UK will miss 2030 emissions cuts target

Government admits its policies will achieve only 92% of cuts, and experts think that is a ‘generous reading’. Without further changes, the target will be missed.

‘Great British Insulation Scheme’ at heart of Government’s energy security strategy

Green groups said the new package of measures amounts to little more than reannouncements and are nowhere near radical enough to meet the government’s own targets.

The UK’s ‘green day’ avalanche of climate and energy announcements

The UK has published an avalanche of climate and energy documents in a chaotic policy move dubbed “green day” by some within government – and “not green day” by others.

'Green Day': The green economy reacts

Are government announcements 'a weak and feeble groundhog day of re-announcements' or an impressive strategy to 'extend our head-start in developing the industries of the future'?

EU agrees to double renewables by 2030 and UK unveils its long-awaited climate plan

Two big announcements in European climate policy came Thursday. The European Union reached a provisional deal to increase its renewable energy targets, an important pillar of the bloc’s plans to fight climate change and end dependence on Russian fossil fuels. And the United Kingdom released its long-awaited climate strategy, promising “an energy revolution.”

UK greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 2.2% in 2022, figures show

In the long term, the UK has reduced emissions within its borders by 48% since 1990, largely due to the phase out of coal for energy production. The Climate Change Committee has said CCUS is “crucial to the delivery of zero GHG emissions” and said between 75-175 million tonnes of CO2 will have to be captured to meet the 2050 target.

We hope you've found the content of this newsletter useful and relevant. In each edition, we'll focus on bringing you the latest news and topics around sustainability and construction. If there are any news articles you would like us to feature, please get in touch with us, and we'll make sure your news is included.

Find out more about our new Sustainability and Construction team here.