Chris Skidmore’s report has announced that the UK is ‘falling behind’ on climate policies and Net Zero targets and needs a ‘new approach’. It calls for 25 actions within two years, including food eco-labelling, and phasing out gas boilers by 2033.
In light of this, David Lloyd, GM of Connected Energy Performance at Johnson Controls, discusses how smart technology can help move towards Net Zero goals, and what the UK can do to make impactful changes. He said:
“In a major review of the government’s net zero plans, a new report by net-zero tsar Chris Skidmore calls for a serious ‘step change’ in approach. The report, which digs into the economic opportunity of net zero, calls for action on phasing out gas boilers and providing longer-term funding certainty for major net zero projects by 2033, is an obvious sign that we must take serious collective action towards a low carbon economy at speed and scale.
Among the recommendations, Skidmore proposes a plan of accelerated action with a 10-year mission to make heat pumps a widespread technology and a proposal to bring forward a ban on the installation of gas boilers to 2033 at latest, and he’s also discussed solar installation via favourable planning approvals. The report offers the clearest signal yet that unlocking low carbon potential across our built environment – a sector which contributes 40% of global emissions – is critical to tackling both climate change and seizing on future opportunities. Another area that is highlighted is the limited skilled personnel available, which will put pressure on achieving Net Zero goals across all industries.
Businesses must consider implementing data driven energy efficient technology to drive real insights, AI/ML driven technologies to control their energy efficiency, and utilising heat pumps. Solar and new lighting technology coupled with renewable energy and green supply will accelerate us past these commitments if we all act quickly to reduce energy intensity and secure our energy supply for the long term. We have the platforms to ensure effective government and environmental compliance, it’s just a case of implementing them. As stated, specialist resource will be a challenge and waiting may mean failure on business environments, sustainability programmes and more concerning global goals.
Without smart tech, businesses can’t hope to start their journey to make the impactful changes they need to for themselves, the environment, and health of their teams. Legacy infrastructure, lack of interactive control and gas heating within buildings will be a huge barrier to reaching the government’s net zero goals by 2030. Success depends on the government, business leaders, and individuals like us to make the buildings we inhabit much more efficient. With millions of us facing fresh energy pain and climate change pressures mounting, there’s never been a better incentive or time to take action.”
