Over 100 major firms have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister in support of ambitious net zero goals, amid fears the government plans to row back on several headline green policies.
In the letter, signed by the likes of Amazon, Tesco, and Siemens, businesses outlined their belief that net zero is a “massive economic opportunity” and said they stand “ready to invest”.
However, the group echoed recent concerns that the UK risks being left behind in the net zero transition and called on the government to show more “leadership and commitment” to the green economy.
This comes shortly after the government’s progress towards its legally-binding net zero targets was branded “too slow” by the UK’s climate watchdog.
Which policies are in the firing line?
The Prime Minister has called for a “proportionate and pragmatic” approach to net zero following the Conservatives’ narrow victory in the parliamentary byelection of Uxbridge and South Ruislip in July, where the result was attributed to opposition to London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone – despite successive polls showing overwhelming national support for stronger green policies.
The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 is said to be one of the landmark environmental policies now at risk of being watered down, although at least one cabinet minister has described the target as “non-negotiable”.
More likely is a watering down of energy efficiency rules for privately rented homes. Under current regulations, private landlords are unable to let properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below E. From 2025, the bar is set to be raised to C for new tenancies, but reports suggest this could now be delayed. Plans to phase out new gas boiler installations by 2035 are also believed to be in the firing line.
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed that it has decided to delay the full implementation of a long-awaited Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for packaging. The new system, which was due to come into force next year, will move 100% of the costs of dealing with packaging waste onto producers for the first time. This will now not happen until 2025 at the earliest.
Businesses to take a leadership role?
While businesses are impatient for much more ambitious policies to work with, the open letter to the Prime Minister shows the private sector is ready to lead the way forward to net zero regardless.
“We plan to invest billions into the low carbon economy because we know it is crucial for our future prosperity, and because we know it is the right thing to do for the future of our planet,” the signatories declared.
