Author: Michael Lunn

Industry Trade body Calls for Climate Resilience to become a National Mission

Posted on by Michael Lunn

Business leaders urge Government and all political parties to wake up to the very real impacts of our changing environment and unite around resilience and adaptation in order to achieve energy security and economic prosperity.

The urgency of this challenge has been brought sharply into focus in recent days. For the first time, millions of people across England and Wales received a Government Emergency Alert on their mobile phones warning of the severe wildfire risk facing the country, highlighting the extent to which climate-related threats are now directly affecting communities and public safety. At the same time, the UK has experienced one of its most extreme summers on record, with prolonged periods of exceptional heat and drought. The nationally recognised weather station at RHS Garden Wisley has reportedly recorded more than 60 consecutive days without measurable rainfall, underlining concerns that this could be the driest and hottest summer ever experienced in parts of the country. These events demonstrate why climate resilience and adaptation can no longer be viewed as future challenges but must instead become immediate national priorities.

The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) Climate Change Working Group, which all other committees of the EIA feed into and which is chaired by former Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, met on 3 August 2026 and agreed that the UK must move beyond fragmented climate policymaking towards a comprehensive national strategy centred on Climate Resilience.

Bringing together leaders from across the environmental, water, energy, building, health and infrastructure sectors, the Working Group concluded that climate change can no longer be treated as a stand-alone environmental issue. Instead it has  a fundamental  impact on overall economic stability through its  affect on  energy security, water resilience, healthy buildings, food security, infrastructure and  public  health.

The EIA Climate Change Working Group concluded that climate resilience should be understood as the UK’s ability to keep its economy, infrastructure, energy systems, water resources and communities functioning in the face of climate change and global shocks.

The Group agreed that resilience should not be presented as an alternative to Net Zero, but rather as the means through which the UK delivers a more secure, affordable and prosperous transition.

The Group reaffirmed its support for the UK’s legally binding Net Zero 2050 target, which business leaders described as setting  a marker to drive action. Critically industry had a special call for a stronger focus on resilience and adaptation necessary to deliver security that will make the transition more durable politically and more meaningful to households, communities and businesses.

The discussion was informed by the EIA’s recent Climate Resilience Position Paper and policy recommendations to Government, which set out a framework for embedding resilience across national policy, infrastructure planning and investment.

Rebecca Pow: Resilience Is the Route to Net Zero

Rebecca Pow, Chair of the EIA Climate Change Working Group and former Minister for Nature and the Environment, said:

“Climate change is no longer a future challenge. It is already affecting our economy, our water supplies, our homes, our food systems and our national resilience.   Businesses engaged across the environmental sector are clear that adaptation and mitigation must now be treated with equal urgency.

 “The EIA’s position is straightforward. Climate resilience complements Net Zero, it does not replace it. If we want to maintain public support and political consensus, we must show how climate action strengthens energy security, protects communities, supports economic growth and improves people’s everyday lives.

 “This is not simply an environmental agenda. It is an agenda for national security, economic resilience and public wellbeing.”

A Call to All Political Parties

The Working Group agreed that climate resilience should be an area where there is scope for constructive engagement across the political spectrum.  This should not be turned into a political football.

The EIA believes that different political parties are increasingly arriving at similar consensus, even when their proposed solutions differ and this consensus needs to be conveyed and interpreted into action. The Committee discussed the positions being taken by current political parties. (See summary in Editors Notes.)

Rebecca Pow says : “Climate resilience should not be a partisan issue. Whether viewed through the lens of growth, security, sovereignty, affordability, environmental protection or public health, the objective is the same: building a Britain that is better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades.  We owe it to future generations to address this and urgently. ”

The EIA believes the shared goal should be creating a UK that is more secure, more prosperous and better prepared for climate impacts.

Three Priority Asks for Government

The Working Group identified three immediate policy priorities where the environmental industry has particular expertise and authority.

  1. Put Adaptation on a Statutory Footing

The EIA is calling for adaptation to be placed alongside emissions reduction within UK climate law, with clear duties on Government and robust oversight.

The Group highlighted that while the UK has a strong legal framework for reducing emissions, adaptation remains comparatively weak despite increasing threats from flooding, heatwaves, drought and infrastructure disruption.

  1. Deliver an Integrated National Water Resilience Strategy

The Working Group called for a statutory national strategy covering:

  • Water supply
  • Flood resilience
  • Drought preparedness
  • Catchment management
  • Water quality
  • Agricultural resilience
  • Emerging contaminants such as PFAS

Members agreed that water security must now be treated as critical national infrastructure and placed on an equal footing with energy security.

  1. Create Resilient and Healthy Buildings

The Group called for reforms to building regulations and retrofit programmes that address:

  • Indoor air quality
  • Ventilation
  • Moisture control
  • Overheating
  • Energy efficiency

Members stressed that buildings are not simply energy assets but critical public-health infrastructure.

Addressing the Cost of Inaction

The Working Group heard evidence that poor housing conditions already cost the NHS around £1.4 billion each year, while climate-related overheating risks could affect the overwhelming majority of UK homes by mid-century if action is not taken.

Members also discussed growing concerns around climate-related insurance risks, including flooding, overheating, subsidence and coastal exposure.

The EIA is proposing exploration of a national climate risk-sharing framework to ensure communities, businesses and public finances remain protected from escalating climate impacts.

Skills and Workforce Remain the Greatest Constraint

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was that delivery capacity has become one of the UK’s biggest challenges.

The Working Group acknowledged evidence indicating that the clean-energy and resilience workforce must expand significantly by 2030 while large numbers of experienced workers approach retirement.

Participants agreed that achieving climate resilience will require:

  • Expanded apprenticeships
  • Skills investment
  • Workforce planning
  • Greater collaboration between industry, government and education providers

Without the workforce to design, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, members concluded that policy ambition alone will be insufficient.

Industry Leadership

Michael Lunn, Chief Executive of the Environmental Industries Association, said:

“What emerged from this meeting was a strong industry consensus that resilience must become a central organising principle for public policy.

 “Our members are the companies delivering solutions on the ground. Whether it is water infrastructure, healthy buildings, flood protection, environmental monitoring, clean technologies or nature-based solutions, they are already helping communities adapt to a changing climate.

 “The challenge now is creating a policy framework that recognises adaptation, resilience and delivery capacity as national priorities. The UK’s climate goals will only be achieved if we have the government signals, the people, infrastructure and investment needed to deliver them.”

 Climate Resilience: The Route to a Stronger Britain

The Environmental Industries Association will now engage with ministers, parliamentarians and stakeholders across all political parties to advance its recommendations during the 2026-27 Parliamentary Session.

 ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) Climate Change Working Group met on 3 August 2026 under the chairmanship of Rebecca Pow.

Key recommendations include:

  • Statutory climate adaptation objectives.
  • A national water resilience strategy.
  • Delivery of resilient and healthy buildings.
  • Greater focus on climate risk and insurance resilience.
  • Workforce and skills planning as a core element of climate delivery.
  • A national climate resilience framework integrating adaptation, energy security, water security and economic resilience.

 

Party Political Positions

  • For the Labour Government, resilience aligns with ambitions for economic growth, clean energy deployment and infrastructure renewal through Great British Energy.
  • For the Conservative Party, resilience provides a framework that speaks directly to concerns around affordability, national security, energy independence and protecting taxpayers from escalating climate-related liabilities.
  • For the Liberal Democrats, support is proposed for stronger adaptation measures, environmental protection and community resilience.
  • For the Reform UK Party engagement with resilience is an option  through priorities such as energy sovereignty, domestic industrial capacity, infrastructure resilience and reducing Britain’s exposure to international economic and geopolitical shocks.
  • For the Green Party, it reinforces the urgency of both climate action and long-term investment in adaptation and nature recovery.

 

For media enquiries:

Environmental Industries Association (EIA)www.EIAssociation.co.uk Press Office: news@EIAssociation.co.uk

Chief Executive: Michael Lunn

Chair: Rebecca Pow

For further information, please contact: Environmental Industries Association news@EIAssociation.co.uk

 

For more information on the work of the EIA Climate Resilience Working Group Climate Change – Environmental Industries Association

For more information on upcoming events and policy debates please go to: www.EIAssociation.co.uk/events  

 

For more information please contact:

Environment Industries Association (EIA)Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk 0789 4062727www.EIAssociation.co.uk  

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Resignation; Leadership Contest Underway

Posted on by Michael Lunn

The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced his resignation as Leader of the Labour Party. He will remain in office as Prime Minister on an interim basis until the Labour Party has formally elected a new leader.

The Labour Party’s governing bodies are expected to initiate a leadership contest through the Parliamentary Labour Party, with a timetable designed to ensure continuity of government while enabling a full and robust selection process.

Early indications suggest that the contest may favour Andy Burnham, who is expected to return to Parliament as a Member of Parliament shortly, positioning him as a leading contender in the leadership race.

The Labour Party has emphasised that the leadership process will be used not only to select a new leader but also to rigorously test and refine policy priorities in preparation for the next phase of government.

A new Labour Leader—and therefore Prime Minister—is expected to be confirmed by July, ahead of the Parliamentary summer recess. This timetable is designed to allow the incoming Prime Minister the summer period to establish their leadership team and agenda, with Parliament reconvening in September.

Michael Lunn, Chief Executive of the Environmental Industries Association, said:

“This transition represents an important moment for the country and for the environmental sector. As the Labour Party considers its future leadership and policy direction, it is essential that environmental priorities—particularly around infrastructure, energy transition, and industrial decarbonisation—remain central to the government’s agenda.

The period leading to September provides a valuable window to strengthen policy frameworks and give industry the confidence it needs to invest and deliver. We look forward to working constructively with the incoming Prime Minister to ensure the UK maintains momentum on clean growth and sustainable infrastructure.”

Net Zero Needs Talent – So Why Is Government Pricing Graduates Out of Jobs?

Posted on by Michael Lunn

Britain is crying out for green skills – yet government policy is making it more expensive for employers to hire the very graduates needed to deliver net zero, growth and infrastructure renewal.

The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) today warns that rising employment taxes are actively locking graduates out of work at the exact moment the UK faces a deepening green skills shortage. While ministers talk up green jobs and economic growth, environmental services and clean technology businesses say higher Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are forcing them to pause recruitment, delay graduate intakes and rethink entry‑level roles.

Graduate unemployment rising – despite skills shortages

The unemployment rate for recent graduates has risen to around 6%, up from 5% the previous year, according to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency and Department for Education data. This comes against a backdrop of an overall UK unemployment rate of 4.9%, indicating that graduates are finding it harder – not easier – to enter the jobs market.

This trend is particularly troubling for the environmental sector, which is facing a well‑documented and growing shortage of skilled workers. Industry analysis suggests the UK is short of around 200,000 people with green and environmental skills, a gap that threatens delivery of net‑zero targets and major infrastructure programmes.

The EIA identifies three key drivers behind rising graduate unemployment:

  1. Rising cost of employment
    From April 2025, the rate of Employer National Insurance Contributions rose from 13.8% to 15%, while the threshold at which employers begin paying NICs fell sharply from £9,100 to £5,000 per employee. Economic modelling suggests these changes could result in up to 55,000 fewer jobs nationally and a measurable increase in unemployment as firms absorb higher labour costs.
  2. Recruitment freezes hitting SMEs hardest
    Small and medium‑sized enterprises, which dominate the environmental services and clean technology sector, are particularly exposed. Surveys and labour‑market analysis show many businesses have responded to higher NICs by scaling back hiring plans, freezing graduate roles or shifting to short‑term contracts to limit employment costs.
  3. A widening gap between skills demand and hiring capacity
    While demand for green skills is accelerating, 63% of environmental professionals report a shortage of suitably skilled applicants, and financial constraints are cited as a major barrier to recruitment and training. In other words, the sector needs graduates – but is being priced out of employing them.

A policy contradiction at the heart of green growth

The warning comes despite strong evidence that green job demand is growing faster than the wider labour market. Green job adverts increased even as the overall jobs market contracted, highlighting a major missed opportunity to connect graduates with future‑facing employment.

Michael Lunn, CEO of the Environmental Industries Association, said:

“The UK is facing a clear policy contradiction. We have graduates looking for work, businesses desperate for skills, and a net‑zero agenda that depends on both – yet government policy is making it more expensive to bring them together. Rising Employer National Insurance Contributions are a direct deterrent to hiring graduates. If ministers are serious about growth, green jobs and long‑term productivity, they must reduce the cost of employment and stop pricing the next generation out of work.”

The EIA is calling on government to take urgent, targeted action:

  1. Reduce or zero‑rate Employer NICs for graduate hires
    Introduce time‑limited NICs relief for employers hiring graduates into environmental services and clean technology roles, directly lowering the cost barrier to entry‑level recruitment.
  2. Launch a Green Graduate Employment Programme
    Create a co‑funded programme to support paid graduate placements across waste, water, land based services, circular economy, climate adaptation and environmental technology businesses, sharing training costs between government and industry.
  3. Align skills funding with real environmental sector demand
    Refocus skills and innovation funding on employer‑led partnerships with universities and colleges, ensuring graduates leave with practical, job‑ready skills aligned to the fastest‑growing environmental roles.

George Eustice Urges Post‑Brexit Environmental Reset at EIA AGM

Posted on by Michael Lunn

Former Environment Secretary argues UK must fully seize regulatory independence to deliver practical, science‑led environmental reform

Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rt Hon George Eustice has delivered a robust call for regulatory reform, urging the UK to make fuller use of its post‑Brexit freedom to create environmental policy that is practical, evidence‑based and tailored to national needs.

Speaking as keynote speaker at the Environmental Industries Association (EIA) Annual General Meeting, Eustice reflected on his time in office and set out a detailed critique of what he described as the shortcomings of EU‑derived environmental legislation—alongside an ambitious vision for how the UK could do better.

Opening his address, Eustice acknowledged his long‑standing professional relationship with EIA Chief Executive Michael Lunn and former Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, highlighting their shared experience working within Defra and shaping environmental policy from the inside. He described the meeting as an opportunity to speak candidly about what had worked—and what had not—during a period of significant change in UK environmental governance.

A critique of EU environmental law

Eustice argued that much EU environmental legislation had become overly complex, litigation‑heavy and focused on “stretch targets” that were politically attractive but practically unachievable. In his view, this approach often produced ambiguous laws and slowed innovation, as regulators and industry became locked into procedural compliance rather than environmental outcomes.

“The system was not always designed to encourage creative policy‑making,” he suggested, pointing to examples where inflexible directives limited the UK’s ability to respond to local environmental challenges with proportionate solutions.

The Environment Act and a new UK framework

Central to his speech was the UK’s post‑Brexit approach to environmental protection, primarily established through the Environment Act. Eustice described the Act as an attempt to create an agile, science‑led framework—one that would allow policy to evolve over time through evidence, iteration and practical experience.

Rather than relying on composite targets, particularly in areas such as water quality, he said the UK had deliberately moved toward long‑term, achievable goals that could be measured transparently and delivered incrementally. This, he argued, represented a fundamental break from the EU model.

He also addressed the establishment of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), designed as an independent watchdog to hold government to account. While supporting its core purpose, Eustice expressed concern that in its early stages the OEP had focused too heavily on legacy EU targets that he regarded as unrealistic and misaligned with the UK’s new framework.

Reforms on waste, air, habitats and chemicals

Eustice went on to outline a series of policy reforms initiated during his time at Defra, many of which he felt had been misunderstood or only partially implemented.

On the circular economy, he highlighted the introduction of powers for Extended Producer Responsibility and Deposit Return Schemes, aimed at boosting recycling rates, improving consistency in waste collections and shifting responsibility upstream toward producers.

Addressing air quality, Eustice defended the decision not to adopt the World Health Organization’s stricter PM2.5 targets, citing concerns over achievability, transboundary pollution and the political reality of measures that would require radical changes in domestic behaviour. He emphasised the role of electric vehicle adoption as a more realistic driver of long‑term improvement.

On habitat regulations, he described existing rules as duplicative and, at times, counterproductive—particularly when they blocked developments that could result in net environmental gains. His proposed solution was a consolidated, UK‑specific legal framework to replace overlapping regimes.

He also reflected on stalled plans to reform chemicals and pesticides regulation, including efforts to accelerate approval processes for biological pesticides and redesign the UK’s version of REACH. These initiatives, he noted, had largely been paused by subsequent administrations.

Regulatory capacity and water quality

Eustice was particularly critical of the erosion of expertise within environmental arms‑length bodies. He described a paused proposal to break up the Environment Agency, create a standalone Floods Agency and merge remaining regulatory functions with Natural England into a single environmental regulator. Loss of specialist capability, he argued, was now contributing to chronic delays in decision‑making.

On water quality, he stressed that government had committed £83 billion to reduce harm from storm overflows well before the issue became a dominant political flashpoint, framing it as an example of long‑term planning overtaken by public controversy.

Q&A: frustration and cautious optimism

During the Q&A session, Eustice voiced frustration that the UK often continues to align with EU environmental demands rather than exercising its full regulatory independence. He also highlighted the persistent tension in building regulations between energy efficiency and health outcomes—particularly indoor air quality—which he felt remained under‑prioritised.

Despite his critiques, Eustice struck an optimistic tone on the future of Net Zero, predicting that progress would continue largely due to corporate leadership and energy security pressures, regardless of political rhetoric.

His address left delegates with a clear message: the opportunity for a more effective UK environmental framework exists—but only if policymakers are willing to fully embrace it.

For more information on the work of the EIA or to join our growing community email: Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk

EIA Welcomes DEFRA to Address the Water White Paper at Water Resources Working Group

Posted on by Michael Lunn

The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) was pleased to welcome officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to a recent meeting of the EIA Water Resources Working Group, where members discussed the government’s Water White Paper, A New Vision for Water.

The session provided an opportunity for DEFRA to outline the objectives of the White Paper and its proposed reforms to water regulation, environmental protection, and long‑term water security. Discussions focused on the implications for water quality, pollution reduction, infrastructure investment, and the role of innovation and environmental technologies in supporting delivery.

EIA members welcomed the emphasis on improving environmental outcomes, strengthening accountability, and taking a more integrated, long‑term approach to water management. The discussion also highlighted the importance of effective implementation, clear regulatory signals, and close collaboration between government, regulators, industry, and the environmental services sector.

Reflecting on the meeting, Michael Lunn, CEO of the Environmental Industries Association, said:

“We are grateful to DEFRA for taking the time to engage directly with our Water Resources Working Group. Constructive dialogue of this kind is essential if the ambitions set out in the Water White Paper are to translate into real improvements in water quality, environmental protection, and system resilience. The environmental technologies and services sector stands ready to support delivery, provided the right policy and regulatory frameworks are in place.”

The meeting reinforced the value of early and ongoing engagement with industry as the Water White Paper proposals are developed further and brought forward through legislation and regulatory reform. EIA will continue to work with DEFRA and its members to provide practical insight and evidence on how policy can best support innovation, investment, and delivery across the water sector.

Biogas Technology: A Missed Opportunity for Climate Action in Developing Nations

Posted on by Michael Lunn

As the global community accelerates toward net-zero targets, one technology stands out for its ability to tackle two pressing challenges simultaneously: waste management and clean energy generation.

Ikechukwu Offie, discusses the importance of Anaerobic Digestion (AD), the process behind biogas production, has proven transformative in developed nations. Yet, as highlighted in a recent comprehensive review by Ikechukwu Offie and colleagues, its adoption in developing countries remains uneven and, in some cases, nonexistent.

Why Biogas Matters

Biogas technology converts organic waste into renewable energy while producing nutrient-rich digestate for agriculture. This dual benefit supports a circular economy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigates climate change impacts. In fact, replacing fossil fuels with biogas can cut emissions by up to 80%, while diverting waste from landfills prevents methane release—a major climate culprit.

The Global Picture

Between 2015 and 2023, Asia led the charge, with China producing a staggering 1,490 MW of biogas energy by 2023. Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia also made significant strides. Latin America followed, with Brazil emerging as a regional leader. However, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Eurasia lagged behind. Shockingly, countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Sri Lanka, and Palestine reported zero biogas energy generation during the study period.

What’s Holding Us Back?

The barriers are multifaceted:

  • Technical: Poor infrastructure, lack of skilled operators, and process instability.
  • Economic: High capital costs and inadequate R&D funding.
  • Policy: Outdated environmental regulations and weak enforcement.
  • Social: Low awareness and cultural stigmas around biogas use.
  • Environmental: Risks of leakage and odor issues if systems are poorly managed.

Opportunities for Change

The review recommends integrating AI and IoT technologies into AD systems to optimize performance and detect leaks. It also calls for:

  • Stronger policy frameworks and incentives.
  • Technical training for operators.
  • Partnerships with developed nations for knowledge transfer.
  • Incorporating AD concepts into engineering curricula.

Why EIA Members Should Care

For our industry, biogas represents a triple win—environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and social impact. As governments and businesses seek scalable solutions for climate resilience, AD technology offers a proven pathway. EIA members can lead by:

  • Advocating for supportive policies.
  • Investing in pilot projects.
  • Sharing best practices across borders.

Call to Action:
Is your organisation exploring biogas solutions? Share your experiences and insights with us. Together, we can turn waste into wealth and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

Government’s EV Tax Plans Risk Undermining Air Quality Progress

Posted on by Michael Lunn

The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) has issued its response to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, highlighting mixed signals for the UK’s environmental ambitions. While the government has pledged significant investment in infrastructure and housing, concerns remain over measures that could slow the transition to cleaner transport.

Electric Vehicles and Air Quality

The Chancellor confirmed a new Electric Vehicle Excise Duty, introducing a 3p-per-mile charge for battery electric cars and 1.5p for plug-in hybrids from April 2028, alongside existing Vehicle Excise Duty. Although intended to address falling fuel duty revenues and fund road maintenance, the Office for Budget Responsibility warns this could result in 440,000 fewer EV sales by 2030, undermining efforts to cut emissions and improve air quality. Environmental campaigners have called the move “premature,” stressing that incentives, not penalties, drive adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

Air pollution remains the UK’s largest environmental health risk, linked to 28,000–36,000 premature deaths annually and costing the NHS an estimated £1.6 billion between 2017 and 2025.

Jim Mills, Chair of EIA’s Air Quality Working Group, said:

“Introducing taxes on electric vehicles without a clear plan to reinvest in clean transport risks reversing decades of progress. Air pollution remains the UK’s most significant environmental threat to public health. Fiscal policy should accelerate—not obstruct—the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The Environmental Industries Association believes this initiative will do little to address the air quality crisis. It requires urgent reconsideration. With the new vehicle excise duty and now a proposed per-mile charge, running many EVs could soon cost more than operating large diesel cars. That is counterproductive and makes no sense.

Water and Environmental Infrastructure

The Budget aligns with Ofwat’s recently approved £104 billion water infrastructure upgrade, aimed at reducing sewage spills by 50%, building new reservoirs, and improving river health. These measures will enhance resilience against climate change and support biodiversity, while creating thousands of skilled jobs.

Brownfield Remediation and Housing

Government plans to accelerate housing delivery include renewed support for brownfield-first development, backed by remediation funding programmes and tax relief consultations. Unlocking contaminated land for housing could deliver over 1.4 million homes, reducing pressure on greenfield sites and contributing to net-zero goals.

Infrastructure Investment

The Chancellor reaffirmed a £120 billion capital investment commitment for roads, rail, and energy, alongside planning reforms to fast-track nationally significant projects. These steps aim to stimulate growth and modernise the UK’s built environment, with a strong emphasis on decarbonisation and regional development.

Peter Atchison, Chairman of the Environmental Industries Association, said:

“Today’s Budget is a tale of two priorities. On one hand, we welcome the scale of investment in water infrastructure, brownfield regeneration, and housing – these are critical for sustainable growth and environmental protection. On the other, the introduction of a mileage-based tax on electric vehicles risks slowing the UK’s clean transport transition and jeopardising air quality improvements. Government must ensure that fiscal measures do not undermine climate commitments or public health. The EIA stands ready to work with policymakers to deliver joined-up solutions that balance revenue needs with environmental progress.”

Call for Action

The EIA will continue to engage with the government on these matters and continue to campaign to increase funding for green industries and technologies. “We urge the Chancellor to consider the long-term benefits of investing in our environment. Sustainable growth is not just an option; it is a necessity for our future,” Atchison concluded.

For further information, please contact: Environmental Industries Association news@EIAssociation.co.uk

 

Making Buildings Better, One Breath at a Time

Posted on by Michael Lunn

EIA talks to Nathan Wood, MD to Farmwood about its work, and what its like to be Deputy Chair of the EIA Air Quality Working Group.

When people ask what Farmwood does, the easy answer is ventilation, air quality and mechanical and electrical services. But that’s just the surface. What we actually do is make buildings safer, healthier, and compliant for the people who live, work, and learn inside them.

Since 2002, we’ve worked across every sector and every kind of place, from a shed to The Shard. Domestic, commercial, or industrial, if it moves air or manages energy, we’ve been there. Our work spans everything from home ventilation systems to large scale HVAC plant and full M and E infrastructure.

We refurbish air handling units (AHUs), flat pack and rebuild them on site, keeping manufacturer warranties intact and giving systems a second life. We integrate smart technology and IoT controls to bring older plant into the modern age, improving performance, monitoring energy, and keeping systems running at their best.

When things go wrong, we problem solve. When systems fall behind, we upgrade. And when clients want long term assurance, our service and maintenance contracts make sure performance, safety and compliance never slip.

We’re proud to be service partners to almost all of the major UK ventilation and HVAC manufacturers. That trust has been built through years of competence, reliability, and delivering quality workmanship that protects their reputation as much as our own.

We invest heavily in our teams and technology, from digital reporting and commissioning tools to advanced diagnostic equipment that helps us find and fix the root cause, not just the symptoms.

And the team itself, they’re the heart of Farmwood. Every single person here understands our mission, to be the best of the best and to own it 100 percent every single day. They bring not just skill, but the right morals, the integrity, pride and commitment that make us who we are. Our competence isn’t claimed, it’s evidenced through SKEB, Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviour, the foundation that keeps us compliant, capable, and consistent in everything we deliver.

Over the years, that commitment to doing things properly has earned us multiple national awards. From winning BESA’s National Contractor of the Year to receiving recognition for Health and Safety excellence and compliance leadership, we’ve consistently set the benchmark for professional standards. Our work in indoor air quality has also been recognised with several industry awards, celebrating both our innovative initiatives and the products we’ve helped bring to life.

We’re also active beyond the job site. We support initiatives such as GO AQS (Global Open Air Quality Standards) and the UK Centre for Mould Safety, because cleaner, safer air starts with awareness, education, and action.

We’re members of Future Homes groups, involved in regulation reform, and lobbying for stronger skills pathways and apprenticeships to secure the next generation of engineers. Competence must be built, not assumed, and we’re helping shape how that’s done.

Farmwood is part of several leading associations across the built environment, more recently joining the Environmental Industries Association (EIA). These collaborations keep us at the table when it matters most, influencing standards, improving guidance, and ensuring real world experience feeds into national policy. 

We also work closely with All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and give our time freely through advocacy and expert support to many brilliant people and charities who share our mission to make homes healthier, safer, and fit for future generations. This is the part of the work that matters most. Not because it wins contracts, but because it changes lives.

Alongside this, we proudly lead World Ventil8 Day (WV8D), which has grown into a global movement promoting the importance of good ventilation for health and wellbeing. What started as an idea led by a small UK SME now reaches across continents, with support from universities, professional bodies, and experts around the world. For a company of our size, being recognised globally for leadership in indoor air quality and awareness shows just how far purpose and passion can reach.

That commitment to wider impact is also why I took on the role of Deputy Chairman of the EIA’s Indoor Air Quality Working Group. It’s not a title, it’s a responsibility. The EIA brings together people who understand that clean air is not a luxury, it’s essential to public health, safety, and sustainability. My aim is to make sure practical, competent voices like ours are heard. To push for joined up thinking between government, regulators, and industry. And to show that SMEs can lead when it comes to integrity and innovation.

We’re always open to collaboration with policymakers, health professionals, and other industry leaders because improving indoor air quality isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people. Every improvement we make to a home, school or hospital reduces preventable illness, supports wellbeing, and ultimately helps ease the strain on the NHS. The societal impact of healthy buildings is real, and it’s time that became part of the national conversation.

We can’t reach net zero or improve health outcomes without tackling the air inside our walls. It’s that simple. And at Farmwood, we’re proving that competence, compliance, and care can coexist, and that when they do, everyone breathes easier.

“Because good ventilation isn’t just good engineering. It’s good humanity”

For more information visit: Home – Farmwood – Ventilation Systems Servicing and Support

Brownfield Boom or Bust? Why Government Inaction Risks 1.4 Million Homes

Posted on by Michael Lunn

Did you see the launch of last months, CPRE “State of Brownfield 2025” report which delivers a powerful message: England has a minimum capacity for 1.41 million homes on brownfield sites, with at least 770,000 already benefiting from planning permission—enough to deliver more than half a million homes swiftly, without encroaching on greenfield or Green Belt land.

The #EIA applauds CPRE The countryside charity for spotlighting this record-breaking potential. Their work underscores that brownfield land is a “constantly renewing resource”, with potential to support the delivery of homes, regeneration, and sustainable development across all regions.

Yet, despite this opportunity, only 55% of identified brownfield housing potential have active permissions, revealing persistent obstacles in land remediation, planning delays, and viability for development.

EIA is challenging why is brownfield is not being delivered?

🏠 Planning bottlenecks remain a barrier: hundreds of thousands of homes are sitting with council permission, but are not proceeding to build-out.

Sites face complex remediation costs, impacting viability and delaying progress. This is not helped with the risk of LRR being at risk of being removed at the upcoming Chancellors budget in November.

🏠 Outdated brownfield registers persist—nearly 40% of Local Planning Authorities haven’t updated theirs in the past two years—obscuring both supply and momentum. This has been a constant frustration for EIA, where many brownfield sites do not even make the Brownfield register.

🏠 EIA calls on the Government to go further on Brownfield development to help its growth agenda.

🌍 Enshrine Brownfield-First in National Planning Policy: The NPPF must be amended to mandate that ALL brownfield sites receive primacy over greenfield allocations.

🌍 Plan-Making Powers: Grant local authorities stronger tools to sequence development, bring forward brownfield sites, and pause speculative greenfield projects.

🌍 Targeted Funding and Support: Redirect New Towns and Homes England programmes to underwrite remediation costs, viability gaps, and ensure delivery of genuinely affordable homes on brownfield land.

🌍 Transparent, Centralised Data: Implement a national brownfield register health check and integrate it into a unified Planning Data Hub to ensure open and reliable data.

Michael Lunn, CEO, Environmental Industries Association, comments:

“The potential of brownfield land is obvious—but its delivery is stalling under planning frictions, remediation costs, and fragmented data. The Government must intervene to catalyse this latent resource. We need a ‘brownfield‑first’ approach backed by targeted funding for clean-up and a central data infrastructure to track progress. Only then will brownfield become the backbone of sustainable housing delivery.”

A Challenge to Government

The EIA congratulate CPRE for their thorough analysis and advocacy. Now, we urge the Government to transform this untapped potential into action. By prioritising remediation support, regulatory clarity, and updated data, Ministers can unlock brownfield’s capacity to deliver high-quality homes, revive communities, and safeguard our green spaces.

Environmental Industries Association and its Members stands ready to support policymakers and industry in delivering a brownfield revolution.

For more information on the work of the Environmental Industries Association drop a line to our Membership team Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk

Remediation of Land and Groundwater – Environmental Industries Association

#CPRE #BrownfieldFirst #Remediation #ContaminatedLand #Land

Photo Credit: Soilfix 

Environmental Industries Association Calls for Safe and Compliant Decommissioning of Liquid Fuel Storage Tanks Amid Net Zero Transition

Posted on by Michael Lunn

London, 21 October 2025. The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) is calling for urgent attention to safe and compliant decommissioning of liquid fuel storage tanks as the UK accelerates its transition to low-carbon heating. With the Government banning the sale of fossil-fuelled boilers from 2026, an estimated three million domestic oil tanks and hundreds of thousands of commercial tanks will need to be decommissioned over the next decade.

Industry forecasts suggest that up to 300,000 domestic tanks per year could require removal between 2026 and 2035, alongside thousands of large-scale commercial installations. This represents one of the most significant infrastructure changes in the heating sector in modern times.

Compliance and Safety Are Critical
Under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and related legislation, improper tank removal can lead to severe environmental contamination and legal penalties. Domestic tanks—typically 1,000 to 5,000 litres and often made from polyethylene—require different handling compared to commercial tanks, which can hold several million litres and involve complex pipework and bunded steel construction.

Key Requirements Include:

  • Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) before work begins.
  • Removal of residual fuel by a licensed waste carrier with an ADR-certified driver.
  • Issuance of Gas-Free Certificates after degassing tanks to below 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
  • Proper disposal of contaminated polyethylene tanks at licensed hazardous waste facilities.
  • Full documentation, including Duty of Care Waste Transfer Notes, Hot Work Permits, and Completion Certificates.

Bruce Woodal, Founding Member of the Fuel Experts Association, said:
“The scale of tank decommissioning over the next decade is unprecedented. Every uplift, every cut, every disposal must be done by the book. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting our environment and ensuring the safety of those carrying out the work. Cutting corners is not an option.”

Michael Lunn, CEO of the Environmental Industries Association, added:
“As the UK accelerates towards Net Zero, the environmental sector has a critical role in managing the legacy of fossil fuel infrastructure. The EIA is committed to supporting best practice, providing guidance, and working with regulators to ensure that tank decommissioning is carried out safely, legally, and sustainably.”

For more information on technical guidance, including OFTEC TI/133 and TI/134, and the full list of applicable legislation see below.

Documentation and Record Keeping

The following documentation should be maintained for each decommissioning project:

  • Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)
    • Permit to Work (including Hot Work and Confined Space permits)
    • Gas-Free Certificates (valid for 24 hours)
    • Duty of Care Waste Transfer Notes / Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes
    • ADR Driver and Vehicle Certification
    • Insurance and Lifting Plan (where applicable)
    • Site Clearance / Completion Certificate

Applicable Legislation and Standards

  • Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001
    • Environmental Protection Act 1990
    • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
    • Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002
    • Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
    • BS EN 60079-10-1: Explosive Atmospheres
    • OFTEC Technical Information TI/133 – Decommissioning of Oil Storage Tanks
    • OFTEC Technical Information TI/134 – Removal of Domestic Oil Storage Tanks
    • BS 7121 – Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes
Environmental Industries Association
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.