Michael Lunn, Author at Environmental Industries Association

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

Posted on 1 May 2026 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:

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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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 28 April 202628 April 2026 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 21 April 202621 April 2026 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 26 November 2025 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 26 November 202526 November 2025 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 30 October 202530 October 2025 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 23 October 202523 October 2025 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 21 October 202521 October 2025 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

Party Conference Season 2025: What It Means for the Environmental Sector

Posted on 9 October 20259 October 2025 by Michael Lunn

As the dust settles on the 2025 Party Conference season, the Environmental Industries Association (EIA) has closely monitored the major announcements, debates, and policy shifts across the four leading political parties—Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK. With a general election still 4 years away, this year’s conferences offered a revealing glimpse into the environmental priorities shaping the UK’s political landscape.

“Party conference season is always useful to ascertain trends and political thinking and where policy intervention is needed over the coming 12 months,” said Michael Lunn, CEO of EIA. “It’s a vital moment for our sector to understand how each party is positioning itself on the environment, infrastructure, and economic growth.”

Labour: National Renewal Through Green Growth

Labour’s conference in Liverpool was framed around “national renewal,” with Prime Minister Keir Starmer invoking the legacy of post-war reconstruction. The party’s environmental and economic agenda focused on:

Clean Energy by 2030: A bold commitment to 100% clean energy, reaffirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, alongside support for nuclear projects like Sizewell C.
Nature Recovery & Water Reform: DEFRA Secretary Emma Reynolds announced criminal penalties for polluting water companies and banned executive bonuses linked to pollution.
Housing & Planning: A £39bn New Towns programme aims to deliver 1.5 million homes, with planning reform to accelerate approvals.
PFAS & Air Quality: Fringe events spotlighted chemical pollution and air quality, with calls for urgent regulatory reform and stronger public health protections.
Green Prosperity: Labour scaled back its original £28bn/year green investment pledge to £24bn over the Parliament, sparking debate over public vs private financing.

Labour’s approach blends industrial strategy with environmental ambition, though critics—including Greenpeace and WWF—warned of gaps in nature protection.

Conservatives: Climate Reset and Economic Pragmatism

The Conservative Party, under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, took a dramatic turn by pledging to repeal the Climate Change Act 2008, effectively dismantling the UK’s legal commitment to net zero by 2050. Key themes included:

Net Zero Scepticism: Badenoch framed net zero as economically damaging, proposing a “proper strategy” focused on affordability and reliability.
Fossil Fuel Expansion: Plans to increase North Sea oil and gas extraction and end EV mandates and heat pump subsidies.
Green Gas & Infrastructure: Fringe panels explored green gas and clean energy infrastructure as alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
Apprenticeships Over University: Doubling the apprenticeship budget and cutting low-return university courses to align skills with employment.
Nature Restoration: Despite the climate rollback, some voices within the party—like Michael Gove—advocated using Brexit to restore British nature.

The Conservatives’ pivot away from net zero has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups and former party leaders, raising concerns about investment certainty and international credibility.

Liberal Democrats: A Roadmap for Sustainability

At their Bournemouth conference, the Liberal Democrats unveiled Policy Paper 160: “For People, For Planet”, outlining a comprehensive environmental strategy:

Climate, Nature & Resilience Roadmap: A cross-departmental plan with a new Chief Secretary for Sustainability in the Treasury.
Energy Decarbonisation: Targeting 95% clean power by 2030, with support for modular nuclear reactors and community energy.
Just Transition: Empowering local councils and supporting North Sea communities in the shift away from fossil fuels.
Green Jobs & Skills: Expansion of green apprenticeships and a zero-carbon skills strategy.
Adaptation & Agriculture: Investment in flood resilience and a £1bn/year boost to ELMS.

While the Lib Dems lacked detailed positions on brownfield development and air quality, their holistic approach to climate and nature policy was well-received by stakeholders.

Reform UK: Anti-Net Zero and Brownfield Focus

Reform UK’s Birmingham conference reinforced its anti-Net Zero stance, positioning climate action as economically harmful. Key proposals included:

Scrapping Net Zero: Repealing the 2050 target and cutting all related subsidies.
Fossil Fuel Expansion: Fast-tracking oil, gas, fracking, and clean coal projects.
Brownfield Development: Tax incentives and “loose-fit planning” to accelerate housing on previously developed land.
Modular Construction: Emphasis on innovation to reduce waste and improve building efficiency.

Reform UK’s environmental platform has been widely criticised, with independent analysis warning of job losses, GDP decline, and higher energy bills if renewables are abandoned.

Conclusion: Diverging Paths Ahead

The 2025 Party Conference season revealed stark contrasts in environmental policy across the political spectrum. Labour and the Liberal Democrats are doubling down on green growth and resilience, while the Conservatives and Reform UK are rethinking—or outright rejecting—net zero commitments.

For EIA members, these developments underscore the importance of continued engagement with policymakers, especially ahead of the Autumn Budget and the next general election. The environmental sector must remain vigilant, proactive, and united in advocating for sustainable, science-based policy that supports both the planet and the economy.

ALL EIA MEMBERS HAVE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE BRIEFING SENT TO THEM COVERING ALL MAJOR POLICY ANNOUNCEMENTS.

EIA responds to Spending Review

Posted on 12 June 202512 June 2025 by Michael Lunn

EIA Raises Concerns Over DEFRA Cuts and Potential Delays to Environmental Permitting

London, 12 June 2025 — The Environment Industries Association (EIA) today voiced serious concerns over the implications of recent funding decisions for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), warning that budget cuts could lead to further delays in environmental permitting and licensing processes managed by the Environment Agency.

Following the Chancellor’s Spending Review announcement yesterday, the EIA policy team have been closely analysing the details behind the headline figures. While the review outlines long-term investments in infrastructure—including rail, nuclear, carbon capture, NHS, and housing—these projects are unlikely to deliver immediate economic growth. This concern is underscored by today’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) report showing a 0.3% contraction in the UK’s economy.

Michael Lunn, CEO to the Environmental Industries Association stated “While we welcome the government’s commitment to long-term infrastructure, the lack of short-term support for business and specifically the Environmental Services and Technology Sector and continued constraints on specialist environmental consultancy spending are troubling”.

“The Chancellor is clearly banking on future growth, but the timeline for returns is uncertain—and the risk of further tax measures in the Autumn Budget remain high”.

Buried within the 128-page Spending Review document, the EIA has identified specific concerns regarding DEFRA’s financial settlement. Although DEFRA is set to receive £7.4 billion in total funding by 2028–29, and £16 billion in capital funding over the review period (representing an average real-terms growth rate of 2.5% per year), this comes with a mandate to deliver at least 5% in savings and efficiencies during Phase 2 of the review.

These savings include £144 million in technical efficiencies identified through the Zero-Based Review (ZBR), and a shift toward increasing in-house digital capabilities to reduce reliance on external contractors. While digital transformation is welcome, the EIA warns that such measures must not come at the expense of timely and effective environmental regulation.

To meet these financial targets, DEFRA will explore a range of cost-saving measures, including the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. With rapid advancements in AI capabilities, the department is assessing which operational workloads—such as data entry, support services, analytical functions, and communication roles—could be enhanced or replaced by automation.

AI systems offer significant potential to improve efficiency through faster data processing, streamlined communication, and reduced administrative overheads. Technologies such as AI-native languages, including Gibber Link, enable machines to exchange and interpret data at unprecedented speeds, offering a transformative opportunity for internal operations.

While AI cannot replace all human-led tasks—particularly those requiring in-person research and fieldwork—it can support the department by accelerating data interpretation and publication, ultimately reducing wage costs and enhancing service delivery.

In parallel, DEFRA is reviewing its permitting and licensing frameworks. Many current processes are seen as overly complex and time-consuming. By redesigning these systems, the department aims to reduce administrative burdens, improve user accessibility, and lower operational costs.

However, DEFRA acknowledges the potential risks associated with regulatory relaxation. Looser controls could lead to increased environmental degradation, including higher emissions, waste, and habitat destruction. The department remains committed to balancing efficiency with its core mission: protecting green spaces, promoting soil health, supporting agricultural productivity, and conserving wildlife.

Peter Atchison, Chair of the Remediation of Land Working Group stated that “Delays in permitting and licensing not only hinder environmental protection but also stall investment and innovation in the green economy. We urge the government to ensure that cost-cutting within DEFRA does not compromise the Environment Agency’s ability to deliver on its critical responsibilities.”

The EIA will continue to monitor developments and engage with DEFRA and other stakeholders to advocate for a balanced approach that supports both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Flood Defence Funding

The government has committed £4.2 billion in Total Departmental Expenditure Limit (TDEL) over the period 2026–27 to 2028–29 specifically for flood defence infrastructure.
This represents a 5% annual increase in the flood defence budget, aimed at protecting communities across England from increasing flood risks due to climate change and extreme weather events.

Nature-Based Solutions and Reservoirs

While there is no direct mention of new reservoir construction in the Spending Review, the funding strategy includes nature-based solutions that may indirectly support water storage and flood mitigation.
DEFRA’s broader capital funding of £16 billion over the review period includes investments in sustainable farming, nature recovery, and environmental resilience, which are often linked to catchment-based flood management and wetland restoration.

DEFRA Operational Budget

Despite capital investment increases, DEFRA’s day-to-day spending will decrease in real terms—from £4.8 billion in 2025–26 to £4.7 billion by 2028–29, a 2.7% annual reduction.
This may place pressure on staffing and operational delivery, even as capital projects expand.

But there were some winners:

The government will invest in the critical national infrastructure needed to connect this country‘s cities and towns. The settlement will provide £10.2 billion for rail enhancements (excluding HS2) over Phase 2, including:

£3.5 billion to drive delivery of the TransPennine Route Upgrade, improving connectivity and reducing journey times between Manchester and Leeds, from 55 to 41 minutes. This will be delivered by the early 2030s;
Continued delivery of East-West Rail with £2.5 billion investment to provide new connectivity and unlocking growth across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor;
£300 million for rail investment in Wales, including for the Burns Review stations, North Wales Level Crossing, Padeswood Sidings and Cardiff West Junction. This SR and the upcoming 10-year Infrastructure Strategy will recognise Wales’ long-term infrastructure needs and will deliver at least £445 million of rail enhancements to realise them;
Funding to progress the next stage of Midlands Rail Hub West, strengthening connections from Birmingham across the West Midlands and to other regions.
£25.3 billion is provided under this settlement to progress delivery of HS2 from Birmingham Curzon Street to London Euston. This funding will support the full reset of the HS2 programme under the leadership of the new Chief Executive, addressing longstanding delivery challenges.

Angela Rayner’s department emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Spending Review, despite a challenging fiscal environment:

Capital Investment:
The department secured £39 billion in grants over the next 10 years to support new housing developments. This funding will be distributed among local authorities, private developers, and housing associations to accelerate housebuilding and regeneration efforts. However, with the current skills shortages the delivery of spades in the ground will be challenged in the short term.
Day-to-Day Spending:
Despite the capital boost, the department faces average annual cuts of 1.4% in its day-to-day operational budget from 2025–26 to 2028–29. The total settlement for this period is £16.7 billion
Policy Focus:
The funding is intended to support Rayner’s ambitions to revitalise local communities, expand affordable housing, and devolve more powers to local governments. However, the operational cuts may challenge the delivery of frontline services unless offset by efficiency gains. This may lead to Councils turning to the need to uplift their local Council precepts to balance Council budgets.

Local Government and Devolution

The Spending Review includes a renewed focus on regional rebalancing, with significant infrastructure investments directed toward Northern and the Midlands regions.
Local transport projects, such as tram expansions in Manchester and Birmingham and upgrades to the Tyne and Wear Metro, are part of a broader strategy to stimulate regional growth

Sunil Shah, Chair of the EIA Sustainable Buildings Working Group said

“We welcome the Government’s £13.2 billion commitment to home decarbonisation through the fully funded Warm Homes Plan”

This initiative represents a vital step forward in delivering warmer, more energy-efficient homes, reducing household bills, and addressing the climate crisis. Last week’s announcement that all new homes in England will be equipped with renewable energy as standard was a significant milestone. Yesterday’s announcement builds on that momentum, offering much-needed certainty for both industry and consumers.

By supporting the rollout of low-carbon technologies, including retrofitting, the Warm Homes Plan will help accelerate the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. We look forward to reviewing the full details of the plan in due course.”

Jim Mills, Chair of the EIA Air Quality Working Group expressed disappointment that Air Quality did not feature significantly with only one mention, however, that was in the context of agricultural impacts presumably linked to methane emissions.

For more information please contact:

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

Environmental Industries Association | LinkedIn