Category: EIA Members

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  • Policy: Outdated environmental regulations and weak enforcement.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.

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 

The Invisible Threat: Air Quality and Health

Posted on by Alisonadmin

Air quality is a critical issue, hitting deprived communities the hardest. These areas often find themselves near industrial zones and busy roads, lacking the green infrastructure that could naturally clean the air. This unfortunate reality places a disproportionate health burden on residents already facing socioeconomic challenges.

The health consequences are severe and far-reaching. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are rampant, with air pollution worsening conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other toxic gases such as Nitrogen Dioxide and Ozone can trigger heart attacks and strokes, leaving these communities highly vulnerable. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible, experiencing higher rates of respiratory infections and reduced lung function.

Beyond immediate physical ailments, air pollution has insidious neurological and developmental impacts. Research links long-term exposure to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. For children, it can impair cognitive development and academic performance. Pregnant women in polluted areas face higher risks of adverse birth outcomes like low birth weight and preterm births, with potential lifelong health implications for the child. Additionally, certain pollutants are carcinogenic, contributing to lung cancer, and have been linked to diabetes, weakened immune systems, and reproductive problems.

Effectively combating this invisible threat demands a multi-pronged approach, beginning with better monitoring and data collection. Official monitoring stations provide valuable regional data but often miss the hyper-local pollution hotspots prevalent in deprived communities. This is where low-cost sensors can prove invaluable. These affordable, easily deployable devices offer granular, real-time data at a neighbourhood level, empowering communities to understand and advocate for cleaner air. Complementing these ground-level efforts are satellite monitoring and sophisticated atmospheric models, which provide a broader perspective, identifying large-scale pollution patterns and even predicting future trends. This comprehensive data picture highlights areas most in need of intervention.

Addressing the issue also requires robust policy and infrastructure changes. Urban planning must be re-evaluated to prevent the placement of polluting industries near residential areas, especially in vulnerable communities. Investing in green infrastructure, such as parks and tree-lined streets, acts as natural air filters. Expanding and improving public transportation networks reduces reliance on private vehicles, cutting emissions. Crucially, stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles are essential to reduce the overall pollutant load.

Technological advancements also offer promising solutions. The transition to electric vehicles, supported by widespread charging infrastructure, is vital. Industries must be incentivised and regulated to adopt advanced pollution control technologies. Smart city solutions, like intelligent traffic management systems, can optimise traffic flow and reduce idling emissions. At a household level, providing access to air purifiers and optimal ventilation can offer immediate, though often temporary, relief from indoor air pollution.

Behavioural changes and community engagement are equally important. Educating the public about air pollution risks and promoting sustainable living practices, like walking, cycling, and public transport fosters environmental responsibility. Empowering communities to participate in air quality monitoring and decision making ensures solutions are tailored to their specific needs. Healthcare providers also play a crucial role in advising patients on minimising exposure and managing pollution-related health conditions.

The ESS Expo featuring AQE (Air Quality & Emissions), taking place in Birmingham, UK, on September 17th and 18th, 2025, offers a significant opportunity to explore many of these solutions. This leading exhibition and conference for environmental services and strategies brings together experts from various sectors. Attendees can expect to see innovations in air quality monitoring technology, learn about sustainable urban development best practices, and discover new approaches to waste management – all contributing to better air quality. The expo will feature exhibitors showcasing solutions for reducing industrial emissions, improving vehicle efficiency, and developing green infrastructure. Conference sessions will cover environmental policy, public health implications of pollution, and community engagement strategies. For those interested in environmental management and its impact on public health, especially in vulnerable communities, the ESS Expo in Birmingham will be a valuable platform for networking, learning, and collaborating on actionable solutions. Registration is free.

"Ultimately, clean air is a fundamental human right, not a luxury. Its provision must be equitable, ensuring no community is disproportionately burdened by pollution. Addressing this moral imperative will lead to healthier individuals and more resilient communities for generations to come".

Jim Mills, Managing Director, Scotswolds, and Air & Emissions Ambassador at ESS Expo 2025

Jim is Managing Director of Scotswolds and a long-standing specialist in air quality monitoring and environmental instrumentation. Originally trained as an industrial chemist and chemical engineer in Paisley, Scotland, he began his career in optical spectroscopy before founding ETI Ltd. in 1992, which grew to become the UK’s largest air quality monitoring company. This was later sold as part of EMC Group Ltd. in 2001. He went on to co-found Air Monitors Ltd. in 2002, establishing it as a UK and European leader in monitoring technologies before selling to ACOEM Group in 2019.

Now leading Scotswolds, Jim focuses on the design, deployment and quality assurance of sensor networks to improve access to air quality information. He is a founder member and director of the Environmental Industries Association (EIA Ltd), chairs its Air Quality working group, and acts as its Scottish lead. He also sits on the air quality working group of Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS), supporting efforts toward a cleaner and healthier environment. For the past several years, he has chaired the scientific committee of the UK’s largest air quality and emissions conference and exhibition, AQE, helping to shape the national agenda on air pollution.

Jim Mills is a Founding Member, Director and Air Quality Chair of the Environmental Industries Association. Jim is acting as the Air & Emissions Ambassador at ESS Expo 2025, taking place from 17-18th September 2025 at the Birmingham NEC.

Visit our stand at AQE - P100.

 

A Treaty in Tatters – Why the Plastics Treaty Failed and What It Means for UK Industry

Posted on by Alisonadmin

Blog Post by Rebecca Pow, Co-Chair of the EIA Climate Change Group, and former DEFRA Environment Minister

The collapse of the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva marks a critical failure in the global fight against plastic pollution. As Co-Chair of the Environmental Industries Association (EIA) Climate Change Group, I am deeply concerned by the lack of progress and the implications this has for the UK’s environmental leadership and industrial innovation.   In my previous role as Environment Minister I was on the front line of negotiations back in 2024 and the UK was a key player in a group of over 80 countries pushing for high ambition for this treaty which included setting targets to cap production with the ultimate aim of reducing harm form plastic pollution by 2040 .  However, despite extra time being given for the negotiations, a year on, the talks are in tatters and the consequences are serious.

The treaty was designed to be the first legally binding international agreement to address plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle—from production to disposal. It aimed to:

  • Cap global plastic production
  • Phase out toxic chemicals in plastics
  • Promote sustainable design and circular economy models
  • Standardise Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies globally

Instead, the negotiations ended in stalemate, with petrochemical-producing nations—such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the U.S.—blocking consensus and pushing for a diluted treaty focused solely on waste management.

Michael Lunn, CEO of the Environmental Industries Association, voiced his disappointment:
“This treaty was our best chance to create a unified global framework to curb plastic pollution. Its failure is a setback not just for the environment, but for UK businesses striving to innovate in sustainable materials and circular economy models.”

The Scale of the Crisis

The statistics are sobering:

  • Global plastic waste generation has surged to 360 million metric tons per year, projected to double by 2040.
  • Globally over half of all plastic waste ends up in landfill.
  • The UK alone produces over 5 million tonnes of plastic annually, with only 9% effectively recycled.
  • One of EIA’s Members has quoted that Microplastics have been found in 100% of UK canal sediment samples they have analysed, by EIA Member SOCOTEC UK & Ireland report “Building Trust for a Safer and Sustainable World”
  • The economic cost of plastic pollution is estimated at £2.5 trillion annually, with losses in fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare
  • The plastics industry is projected to consume 20% of global oil and contribute 15% of global carbon emissions by 2050.

‘A recent report in The Lancet medical journal stated that “plastics are a grave, growing, and under-recognised danger to human and planetary health”. Writing ahead of the Geneva summit, the University of Edinburgh’s Cat Acheson, Alice Street and Rob Ralston, warned: “Plastics, the evidence shows, are a threat to human health – from womb to grave. They’re linked to miscarriages, birth defects, heart disease and cancer.”’

The report highlights that more than 16,000 chemicals are used in plastic, many of which are not disclosed by the companies making it.  Of the 16,000 chemicals safety data is lacking on over 10,000 and 4,200 are known to be chemicals of concern.

Environmental Industries Association (EIA) Member Paul Walker, Senior Technical & Development Specialist who contributed to Building Trust for a Safer and Sustainable World, (SOCOTEC UK & Ireland) who also sits on BSI EH4 Committee – focusing on British Standards in soil, highlights the alarming scale of microplastic contamination:

“Our monitoring shows microplastics are now present in every environmental matrix we test—air, water, sediment. The sheer ubiquity is staggering. We’re finding particles in places once thought pristine. This isn’t just pollution—it’s infiltration.”

British Standards committees are important in informing future plastics policy.  The committee, operating under the water standards criterion EH/3/6 and EH/3/2 UK input into the global microplastics work programme.  The committee focuses on developing robust, scientifically sound standards for detecting and monitoring microplastics in various water sources—including domestic water, freshwater, seawater, treated and untreated wastewater. These standards are essential for improving accuracy and reliability in sampling methods and enabling long-term environmental monitoring. They also ensure consistency and comparability across organizations and countries and as such the committee plays a key role in supporting policy development and water treatment innovation.  All of this is vital to forging a sustainable way forward in our plastic world.

Why the Treaty Failed

The breakdown stemmed from irreconcilable differences over ambition. While nearly 90 countries supported production caps and chemical bans, a small bloc of oil-producing nations refused to compromise. The consensus-based negotiation model allowed any country to veto progress, and that power was used repeatedly to stall meaningful action.

Implications for UK Industry

UK businesses have invested heavily in sustainable alternatives, recycling infrastructure, and product redesigns. As Waste and Recycling Minister I oversaw the introduction of the 5p carrier bag charge which saw a 97% drop in plastic carrier bag use.  A ban on a wide range of single use plastics was also introduced from plastic cups, to balloon sticks and stirrers; legislation was also passed banning microplastics in wash off care and cosmetic products and in wet wipes. And crucially the new Extended Producer responsibility scheme is focussing on packaging initially as this is the largest source of plastic.  It is aimed at reducing the overall amount of plastic coming to market in the UK and instilling greater emphasis on longer life, reuse and recyclability.  So, some major strides have been made in the UK but there is so much more to do and this issue needs a global approach in order to be meaningful.

Without a unified global framework, these efforts risk being undermined by inconsistent standards and continued market dominance of cheap, fossil-based plastics.

As Michael Lunn noted,
“UK companies are ready to lead the transition to a circular plastics economy. But they need clarity, consistency, and global cooperation to thrive.”

EIA’s Next Steps

Despite the treaty’s failure, the EIA is not standing still. We are launching a renewed strategy to:

  1. Strengthen domestic legislation: Advocate for stricter UK laws on plastic production and chemical safety.
  2. Support innovation: Partner with industry to accelerate development of non-toxic, reusable, and recyclable materials.
  3. Build coalitions: Work with like-minded nations to form a “coalition of the willing” that implements treaty elements at national and regional levels.
  4. Empower communities: Promote indigenous and frontline community-led solutions to plastic pollution.
  5. Hold polluters accountable: Push for mandatory EPR schemes and transparency in plastic supply chains.

A Call to Action

It is critical that we do not let this failure stall our momentum. The UK must continue to lead by example, pushing for ambitious national policies and working with like-minded nations to build a coalition for action.

The plastics treaty may be in tatters, but the fight against plastic pollution is far from over. The EIA calls on policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to redouble efforts. We need stronger domestic legislation, incentives for sustainable innovation, and international partnerships that bypass obstruction and deliver real change.

Let this be a turning point—not of despair, but of determination.

Blog Post by Rebecca Pow, Co-Chair of the EIA Climate Change Group, and former DEFRA Environment Minister

The Seventh Carbon Budget: A Foresight into Climate Risk and Opportunity

Posted on by Alisonadmin

The UK's Climate Change Committee (CCC) has just released its Seventh Carbon Budget, a bold plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 87% by 2040. But what exactly is a carbon budget?

Carbon budgets are five-year limits on carbon emissions set by the UK Government. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is an independent statutory body established to advise the Government on progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change. The Seventh Carbon Budget sets the carbon limit for the period 2038 to 2042. It’s not a government report but rather an independent, science-based roadmap recommending how the UK can transition to a low-carbon economy and achieve its net-zero targets. Importantly, it is achievable—but requires rapid action, something that has stalled progress against previous budgets.

This pathway provides clear opportunities for industries to guide their own decarbonisation strategies while also outlining how it will impact households and the businesses that serve the domestic market.

 

What Does the Carbon Budget Mean for Households and Housing Developers?

The report covers a wide range of recommendations for domestic, infrastructure, and business targets. Here are the top five factors we see as most important for households:

Residential Buildings: Reducing Emissions Through Electrification

Emissions from residential buildings have been declining over the past five years but remain the second-largest emissions source in the UK. However, these reductions have been largely driven by higher gas prices (exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine) and milder winters, rather than structural improvements in energy efficiency.

UK homes still rely heavily on gas for heating space and water, as well as for kitchen appliances like ovens and cookstoves. Homeowners can improve energy efficiency through draught-proofing and insulation, but 66% of emissions reductions will need to come from low-carbon heating—specifically, electrification.

This presents a massive growth market for suppliers but requires a workforce with expertise in installation and maintenance. There has been ongoing debate around whether hydrogen could be a solution for home heating, as it might allow homeowners to avoid costly upfront system changes. However, the CCC has repeatedly stated:

“There is no role for hydrogen in home heating.”

Key Actions to Decarbonise Residential Buildings

To accelerate the transition, several key actions are needed:

  • Decarbonisation of the electricity grid
  • Reinstating regulations for low-carbon heating installation beyond 2035
  • Financial assistance for heating conversions (e.g., boiler upgrade schemes)
  • Regulations preventing housing developers from connecting new builds to the gas grid from 2026

The Role of Housing Developers

Developers must ensure that their supply chains can support the design and construction of homes that are compatible with electric heating systems. This extends beyond installing heat pumps—it also requires better building envelopes to maximise efficiency and minimise electricity demand.

The UK lags behind much of Europe in the technical skills needed for heat pump installation. Homeowners and tenants will need reliable, skilled technicians to ensure their systems function properly—particularly in winter, when failures could have serious consequences.

Transport: The Future Is Electric

Transport and housing go hand in hand when it comes to decarbonisation. The recommendation is that by 2030, nearly all new vehicles should be electric, and by 2040, the vast majority on the road should be as well. However, delays are likely.

For households, charging infrastructure is a major hurdle. Without accessible home charging, the transition to EVs will be difficult. This is a key consideration for:

  • New housing developments (both individual homes and apartment complexes)
  • Commercial developers (who should include charging facilities and storage for low/zero-carbon transport)

Failure to plan for decarbonised transport infrastructure will make the transition more expensive and disruptive in the long run.

 

Challenges from Previous Carbon Budgets

While the Seventh Carbon Budget sets ambitious goals, it’s important to acknowledge that previous budgets have faced significant challenges.

Key barriers include:

  • Inconsistent policy support
  • Delays in infrastructure development
  • Regulatory uncertainty

Businesses have often struggled with unclear government incentives, leading them to postpone investments in low-carbon technologies. Economic disruptions—such as the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic—have also derailed emission reduction efforts.

The lesson from past failures is clear:

  • A stable policy environment and strong government leadership are essential.
  • Businesses must take proactive steps rather than waiting for regulations to force change.

Without long-term planning, companies risk regulatory shocks and rushed transitions in the future.

 

The Business Case for Action

Businesses in the domestic housing market should be paying close attention to the carbon budget as part of their risk and opportunity assessments.

The UK’s net-zero economy is expanding rapidly:

  • Contributed £83.1 billion in gross value added
  • Supports nearly 951,000 jobs nationwide
  • Attracted £23 billion in net-zero investments in 2023 alone
  • 47% increase in foreign direct investment from the previous year

This influx of capital is driving innovation in renewable energy, electrification, and low-carbon technology. Businesses that act early will be best positioned to capture market share and avoid supply chain bottlenecks as demand grows.

However, developers must ensure that they are designing and constructing housing in line with the UK’s decarbonisation goals. This requires:

  • A robust supply chain to support sustainable building practices
  • Workforce readiness to handle electrification and efficiency improvements
  • Collaboration with policymakers and industry groups to stay ahead of regulatory shifts

Taking the Next Step

For businesses wondering what to do next, the first step is to:

  1. Assess current emissions and identify key impact areas
  2. Evaluate market climate risks and opportunities
  3. Understand the financial implications of net-zero policies
  4. Develop a transition plan to future-proof operations

The Seventh Carbon Budget is more than a policy—it’s a glimpse into the future of business in the UK. Early adopters will thrive, while those who delay may find themselves struggling to keep up.

How Acclaro Advisory Can Help

Acclaro Advisory can support your business in identifying climate risks and opportunities and developing a transition plan.

Get in touch today to learn how we can help your business stay ahead of the transition.Bottom of Form

 

About Acclaro Advisory

Driving sustainable change is no easy task. At Acclaro, we turn that complexity into clarity, backed by decades of experience. With trusted guidance and reliable practical solutions, we empower organisations to create impact today while striving towards future sustainability ambitions.

Environmental Industries Association Responds to the Chancellor’s Budget

Posted on by Alisonadmin

London, 30 October 2024 –The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the Labour budget announcement by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves. EIA Chairman Peter Atchison specifically highlighted the budget’s shortcomings in addressing critical environmental issues such as climate change, air quality, brownfield remediation and supporting the wider delivery arm of the UK green industries sector.

Lack of Support for Green Industries

Peter Atchison stated, “While the budget includes some positive steps towards Green Energy, Carbon capture it falls short in providing the necessary support for the SME sector whom deliver the grassroots green growth economy and represent the wider Environmental Services and Technology Sector which contributes over £29 billion in value per annum and expected to deliver 25,000 additional jobs over the next 12 months. That growth is in jeopardy and business leaders and our Members will need to re-evaluate business investment given the increase in employer contributions. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) clearly shows that the UK has ranked 5th globally, yet this budget does not reflect the urgency of the environmental crisis and the investment which is required to maintain and improve our environmental standing globally.”

Investment in Green Technology

Atchison emphasised the need for substantial investment in green technology. “The budget’s allocation for green technology is insufficient. To achieve our net-zero targets, enhance air quality and foster green jobs and innovation in the economy, we need a robust financial commitment. This budget does not provide the level of investment needed to drive the green technology sector forward.”

Remediation of Contaminated Sites for housing delivery

EIA recognises the housing crisis and supports much of the reforms of the NPPF and specifically Brownfield First, but the Chancellor has missed a trick on the eve of Halloween to extend land remediation relief from 150% to 200% for smaller developers with housing of less than 25 units, but we note that the Government plans a review of Land Remediation Relief next year which EIA will engage with. An extension of the relief  now would have helped to drive housing on brownfield sites (especially smaller sites which are often more complex) and also driven growth across the geo-remediation sector and environmental services sector which in turn would of delivered new homes.

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

For more information please contact:
Environment Industries Association (EIA)
Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk

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.