CCC report highlights ‘lack of progress’

Ambitious targets to retrofit housing and measures to increase renewable energy production are the main recommendations of the latest Committee on Climate Change (CCC) report.


Released yesterday (June 30) the committee’s 3rd Progress Report highlights a ‘lack of progress’ in reducing emissions in the UK.

The report finds emissions increased by 3% in 2010, but mainly as a result of the extremely colder winter months.

So after taking the cold months into account the CCC believes emissions last year were broadly flat.

As a result this means the UK is way off target on its 3% annual average emissions reduction required to meet the first four carbon budgets.

However, emissions in 2010 were within the limits of the first carbon budget but this was due to the impact the recession had in 2009 – cutting emissions by 9%.

In order to reduce emissions in the future the CCC recommends the Government’s forthcoming White Paper, expected later this month, should announce new electricity market arrangements based on long term contracts.

As part of this it stresses the need for a smooth transition from current arrangements to support renewable generation in order to avoid an investment hiatus.

Secondly, the CCC recommends, as part of the Green Deal, the Government should commit to targets to insulate all lofts and cavity walls by 2015, and 2 million solid walls by 2020.

It also further recommends energy companies should be required to deliver these targets or equivalent emissions reductions under the proposed Energy Company Obligation.

CCC chairman, Lord Adair Turner, said: “The step change we have previously highlighted has not yet been achieved, although we can meet the first carbon budget, this is mainly due to the recession.

“It is crucial that Government sets out detailed policies to support power sector decarbonisation and energy efficiency in homes and businesses. The successful implementation of these policies will determine our ability to meet carbon budgets.”
Luke Walsh

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