Government Carbon Plan released

The Government has today released its Carbon Plan, which is a Government-wide plan of action on climate change.  The Plan sets out on a departmental basis, action and deadlines for the next five years. The Plan has initially been published as a draft, with a full live version to be published in the autumn. Three key areas are highlighted that need to be addressed if Government action on climate change and the low carbon economy is to be realised. Firstly, the plan states we must address the way we produce electricity with a shift away from fossil fuel dependency and towards renewable energy sources and carbon capture and storage. Secondly, we must see a change in our housing stock and the way we heat our homes and finally a change in the way we travel, with a shift to low emission vehicles and greater use of public transport.

 

The plan sets out current policy and action to be taken in key areas across climate change policy and the transition to the low carbon economy. Each section provides summary information, key dates and details of responsible departments.

• Secure, sustainable and low carbon energy – including carbon capture and storage, electricity market reform and energy infrastructure. 
• Energy saving in homes and communities – including the Green Deal, low carbon heat and new build homes. 
•  Reducing emissions from business and industry – including the establishment of a Green Investment Bank, reducing emissions from businesses and helping businesses to become more energy efficient. 
•  Moving towards low carbon transport – supporting low emissions vehicles technologies, high speed rail and low emissions shipping and aviation. 
•  Reducing emissions from waste – making the most of energy from waste and encouraging the transition to a zero waste economy. 
• Sustainable management of land – including reducing emissions from farming, woodland and forestry management and improving scientific knowledge. 
• Reducing Emissions in the Public Sector – including improving procurement and piloting energy efficiency measures across participating government departments.