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The UK Government has taken a significant step forward in its journey towards a sustainable future by relaunching the Net Zero Council. This pivotal initiative is designed to unite businesses, civil society, and local authorities in a concerted effort to transition to clean energy. The relaunch follows a productive meeting held on 5 February, where members outlined strategies aimed at accelerating various sectors towards achieving net zero emissions while also creating thousands of new jobs.

Co-chaired by the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, and Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-operative Group, the council has assembled an impressive array of leaders from some of the UK’s largest corporations, charitable organisations, trade unions, and local authorities. This diverse coalition includes representatives from the Trades Union Congress and the Design Council, as well as major industry players such as Siemens, Nestlé, and HSBC, alongside the Local Government Association and Aviva Investors.

During the inaugural meeting, members reached a consensus on several priorities that will guide the council’s work. Central to these discussions was a renewed emphasis on seeking expert input to inform government strategies, developing comprehensive sector roadmaps, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their decarbonisation efforts, and shaping the government’s approach to public engagement on net zero initiatives.

To ensure effective implementation, a new Delivery Group has been established to oversee the council’s various workstreams and facilitate progress towards its ambitious goals.

Voices from the Council: A Collective Commitment to Net Zero

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband articulated the council’s vision, stating, “Businesses and leaders across our country recognise that clean power and accelerating towards net zero represents the economic opportunity of the 21st century. It is one which will protect bills, create jobs, and tackle the climate crisis. This Council is about mission-driven leadership, bringing government, business, and civil society together to turn ambition into action.”

Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy echoed this sentiment, emphasising the council’s vital role in propelling net zero ambitions forward. She remarked, “Bringing together leaders from across business, finance, and civil society, the Council will play a crucial role in accelerating net zero ambitions, driving economic growth, and creating thousands of jobs.”

Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of The Co-operative Group, spoke passionately about the urgency of the situation. She asserted, “Working urgently for a faster, fairer transition to a greener, cleaner economy is an absolute imperative. For the sake of our planet and for every community here in the UK and around the globe, it’s crucial we work together to unlock the significant opportunities the transition will bring for economic growth too.”

Strengthening Collaboration and Driving Innovation

Bev Cornaby, Director of the UK Corporate Leaders Group (CLG UK), underscored the importance of collaboration between various sectors. She stated, “The relaunch of the Net Zero Council marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between government, business, civil society, and local government to accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero. Businesses are ready to lead, invest, and innovate, but they need the right policy framework and long-term clarity to unlock the full potential of a clean, competitive economy.”

David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Redrow, highlighted the progress being made in the homebuilding industry, saying, “Government has set out its clear ambition to shift to clean energy, meanwhile the homebuilding industry is making good progress towards delivering net zero homes and places—but we must unite behind one plan and work together to build a sustainable future.”

Meanwhile, Minnie Moll, Chief Executive of the Design Council, spoke to the transformative power of design. “Design has the power to cut across sectors, fuelling innovative thinking, embracing circular approaches, and turning the challenges of climate change into opportunities for economic growth, improved quality of life, and a cleaner, more sustainable future for all,” she remarked.

The Role of Resource Management in Decarbonisation

John Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer for SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, emphasised the often-overlooked contributions of the waste and resources sector. He stated, “Often unseen, the work of the waste and resources sector sits at the core of the delivery of the Industrial Strategy. At the same time as we are taking steps to decarbonise our own operations, the sector is helping other sectors to decarbonise by providing secondary resources for manufacturing, and energy and fuels for transport, homes, and industry.”

Ian Simm, Founder and Chief Executive of Impax Asset Management, noted the critical timing of the council’s work. He said, “The Council has a vital role to play at a moment when pivotal decisions are being made that will decide the future shape of the UK economy, not least on housing, infrastructure, and energy supply. I look forward to providing an investor’s view regarding how the Council can maximise its impact and effectiveness, both in helping to shape the shift to a net-zero economy and in supporting the Government’s broader and much-needed growth agenda.”

Seizing Opportunities for Decarbonisation

Jennifer Beckwith, Senior Manager at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), pointed out that extending decarbonisation beyond the power sector presents a significant opportunity for growth. She said, “Increasing decarbonisation beyond the power sector is the big opportunity to grow clean energy markets, scale infrastructure, and advance green technologies. The government leading collaboration across business and finance sectors powerfully signals to investors a focus on delivery that can help get capital moving.”

Ed Lockhart, Convenor of the Broadway Initiative, also highlighted the necessity for clarity in the transition to a clean energy future. He remarked, “UK businesses need certainty, including on the transition to a clean energy future, to invest, grow, and ultimately improve living standards. By launching the Net Zero Council aligned to the clean energy mission, the Government is providing a much-needed platform for the business community, financial institutions, civil society, and Government to work in partnership on a shared and inclusive long-term plan.”

A Collective Vision for the Future

The relaunch of the Net Zero Council marks an important milestone in the UK’s commitment to combat climate change, presenting a united front from various sectors to tackle the climate crisis while simultaneously unlocking economic growth. As we navigate this crucial transition towards a sustainable economy, it is clear that collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision will be the keys to success. The voices of leaders from diverse backgrounds within the council resonate with a common purpose: to accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero and create a cleaner, greener future for all.

As the council embarks on this ambitious mission, stakeholders across the nation are encouraged to engage in the conversation, share insights, and contribute to the development of strategies that will shape the future of the UK’s energy landscape. The collective efforts of government, businesses, and civil society will be essential to not only meet but exceed net zero targets, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

Stay tuned to Net Zero News for ongoing updates and insights as the Net Zero Council progresses on its journey. Together, we can champion the cause of net zero and foster a resilient, sustainable economy.