The Net Zero Review, one of the largest engagement initiatives on net zero in the UK’s history, involved all four of the UK's nations, received over 1800 answers to its Call for Evidence and hosted more than 50 roundtables. According to the analysis, local governments, businesses, and organisations across the nation all had one message that was heard loud and clear:
‘Net zero is creating a new era of opportunity, but government, industry, and individuals need to act to make the most of the opportunities, reduce costs, and ensure we deliver successfully.’[i]
The Mission Zero report was commissioned in September of 2022 in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other global factors that the UK government described as having ‘fundamentally changed the economic landscape’. The goal of the report was to explore pathways to deliver net zero and understand their respective economic opportunities.[ii]
Source: UK Government
4 of the 10 missions identified by Mission Zero relate to energy. Firstly, this represents a drive towards a diverse energy mix which is particularly important in regard to nuclear energy. In November, ZCA reported on division on the UK’s nuclear future; some detractors were concerned over the reliability of nuclear power based on the French experience of rivers (required for cooling) running too hot during a record-breaking summer. As such, ensuring that other net zero-aligned energy sources are not overlooked is vital.
The 2nd mission relates to the scaling up of solar projects across the UK. Deployment of solar panels has left some in the UK worried about how farmland and greenfield sites may be impacted. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak wrote, ‘On my watch, we will not lose swathes of our best farmland to solar farms. Instead, we should be making sure that solar panels are installed on commercial buildings, on sheds and on properties.’.[iii] This sentiment appears to be echoed within the report with calls for a ‘rooftop revolution’. Finding ways to achieve the potential of solar energy in the UK that does not require controversial discussion of land use will be key, and the UK may look across the English Channel to France’s decision to require solar panels in the nations parking spaces.
The report also identified wind energy as a mission area. Wind energy has huge potential and had its best year yet in 2021, but some felt that regulation and policy needed reform to capitalise on the potential to reduce the economic burden of skyrocketing energy bills in the UK. This makes the report’s aim of liaising with communities in the pursuit of local benefits all the more possible, as local people could look to wind power to alleviate pressure on their bank accounts if the approach is framed in the right way.
The energy saving trust, the UK’s energy efficiency experts, reacted to the report’s call for action on energy efficiency.
Mike Thornton said:
Delivering energy efficient buildings, the electrification of heat and the shift towards renewable energy sources are all vital for decarbonising our homes and businesses, boosting energy security and growing the UK economy. To drive change and make this happen, the review calls for long term planning, ambitious minimum standards and clear, impartial advice and support. The review also sets out important and realistic timescales for improving the energy efficiency of homes – both new and existing – and a more ambitious phase out date for gas boilers to make way for the widespread adoption of heat pumps.”[iv]
ZCA has previously highlighted how retrofitting is an important arrow in the net zero quiver. Deep retrofits and serial upgrades both offer different benefits to the climate cause, and Mission Zero may help both to realise their potential. The call for an acceleration in the phase out of gas boilers and adoption of heat pumps plays into the benefits of serial upgrades, whilst the creation of a net zero performance certificate may well motivate real estate holders to recognise the need for change.
According to projections, planting trees will help the UK cut emissions by about 20%. The government's current goal is to plant an area the size of Birmingham each year. This goal aligns with the growing desire of local communities and land managers to increase biodiversity on their properties and replenish ecosystems that have been destroyed. If additional green places are opened to the general public and tourists, it might significantly improve people's lives. For instance, the health benefits of being in nature are well-defined.[v] The report’s focus on nature-based solutions is an important facet as it does not require the development of new technology like technical carbon sequestration techniques. ZCA has reported on how nature based solutions, as an investment opportunity, are ready to provide benefit.
In essence, Mission Zero makes clear that there are opportunities to be had in pursuit of net zero across many sectors of the UK. The architect of the report said of Mission Zero:
It goes "further than anything we've published before by highlighting the fact that there's a risk if we don't go fast enough".[vi]
This call to action has not gone unnoticed by industries across the UK. Some of the reaction is outlined below.
Tom Thackray, CBI Decarbonisation Director, said:
There is no growth without green in the future. The review expertly shows that accelerating the UK transition gives us the best chance of capitalising on a global economic opportunity.
“But with fierce international competition we need bold and decisive policies from government to keep us ahead of the pack.”[vii]
Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, commented:
What is abundantly clear from the Skidmore review are the benefits of retrofitting – it’s a win-win solution. Retrofitting existing homes lowers bills, warms homes, creates jobs, and provides local builders with skills for the future. The review points out what needs to be done by the government to make net zero a reality and industry stands ready to deliver on it”.[viii]
Environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, Cllr David Renard, said:
We are pleased the review recognises the importance of local government in delivering net zero. Councils understand the urgent need to tackle climate change and are intrinsic to transitioning our places and empowering our communities and businesses to a net zero future.”
“Only councils can mobilise and join-up climate action in our towns, cities and rural areas. The Review’s focus on policy and funding stability over the long term is important for councils, and so is giving them the flexibility to respond to the different opportunities and challenges in places.”[ix]
[i] UK Government- Mission Zero: Independent Review of Net Zero
[ii] UK Government- Review of Net Zero: call for evidence
[iii] Carbon Brief- Factcheck: Is solar power a ‘threat’ to UK farmland?
[iv] Energy Savings Trust- Our response to the net zero review
[v] Ibid
[vi] BBC- Net zero: Climate action delay will hurt economy, Tory MP’s review says
[vii] CBI- CBI responds to Skidmore (Net Zero) Review
[viii] The Planner- Net zero should be at heart of planning system, says Skidmore
[ix] LGA- ‘Councils are intrinsic to a net zero future’ – LGA statement on net zero review
Oscar is a recent graduate with a background in earth science. He is currently studying an MSc focussing on disaster responses, emergency planning and community resilience. His postgraduate research project will assess the link between climate crisis risk perception and attitudes to green energy projects. “Adapting to the climate crisis through the pursuit of net zero requires community engagement and understanding. Zero Carbon Academy’s goals closely align with this approach and I’m excited to have the opportunity to research and communicate a variety of topics relating to our environment and sustainability”.
