NET ZERO TRANSITIONS
Updates from the wider world of net zero
Innovate UK connections
Land Use for Net Zero is a new hub, co-funded by UKRI, that will provide guidance and develop policies to decarbonise land use and agriculture.
Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans competition winners announced, providing up to £6 million in grant funding to support dispersed industrial manufacturers to reduce emissions.
News
CITIZENS AND COMMUNITIES
2023 was second warmest year on record for the UK according to the Met Office.
West Norfolk village is working towards becoming one of seven net zero communities in the county thanks to a climate change partnership scheme.
Three-quarters of the British public have a poor understanding of commonly-used climate terminology.
Third of UK teenagers believe climate change exaggerated according to reports.
TECHNOLOGY AND FINANCE
New ZEV mandate enters into law, postponing the proposed 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 5-years.
Electric cars can enhance energy security in the UK more effectively than new North Sea oil licenses.
Heat pump applications are up by almost 50 per cent following an increase in the government grant.
World’s first carbon credit insurance company announces the closure of a $12 million funding round.
PROJECTS
Garvagh community receives National Lottery funding to tackle climate change.
Green Home Finance Accelerator sees 12 projects receive a share of up to £16 million.
UK’s first net-zero carbon retirement village in Luton to expand with an additional £31 million funding.
Former primary school renovated into Net Zero centre in Neath Port Talbot.
STRATEGIES AND PLANS
Newcastle City Council reports a 42 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions since 2005.
South Lanarkshire Council commits to meeting climate targets
Westmorland and Furness Council approves new climate action plan.
Sports sector in Wales commits to developing its net-zero plans.
Reports
Multi-stakeholder partnerships have a hugely important role in sustainable development says new study by UN DESA.
Environmental sustainability good practice guidance from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Review of air source heat pump noise emissions, permitted development guidance and regulations.
Adapting historic homes for energy efficiency in England.
Retrofitting commercial buildings is considered by the UK Green Business Council.
120,000 net zero jobs will be created by 2035 according to the Green Alliance.
Helping community energy realise its potential, with eight recommendations made by the London Assembly.
Smaller businesses will be essential in delivering UK emissions targets according to a new survey by the British Business Bank.
Putting farms on a more sustainable footing is considered by the thinktank UK Onward.
The data revolution will need to be harnessed for sustainable and inclusive development according to United Nations Secretary-General’s Independent Expert Advisory Group.
Funding
Green Heat Network Fund to develop and grow the heat network market and address the challenges of decarbonising the UK’s heat sector.
Scotland Recycling Fund and the Wales Recycling Fund aim to increase long-term investment in energy efficient technologies across the public sector.
Second Hydrogen Allocation Round to support low carbon hydrogen production across the UK.
Innovate UK has just published a funding competition for solutions that enable private investors to invest in nature positive projects opening in next week on 12th February.
Inspiration
How to let go and stop worrying (10 stoic tips)
Do you have plenty of things that keep you up at night, worrying about what to do or impacts of decisions? Stoic Wisdom’s Ryan Holiday for guidance on how to control your responses to what happens and manage the unpredictability of life. "You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
The myth of sustainable fashion
New business models including recycling, resale, rental, reuse, and repair are sold as environmental life savers. The sad truth however is that all this experimentation and supposed “innovation” in the fashion industry over the past 25 years have failed to lessen its planetary impact.
This article from the Harvard Business Review uncovers some truths and suggests actions for us all.