EHC participated in a meeting with net zero minister Chris Skidmore, to discuss the UK’s progress towards achieving net zero and the role of electrification in this transition
Climate change is a significant topic that is gaining traction among the general public, policymakers, and world leaders.
In recent years, the destructive repercussions of global warming have been more obvious, from rising sea levels to more frequent and severe weather events.
As a result, climate change has become a major political issue, with many political parties working to demonstrate their commitment to lowering emissions and promoting sustainability.
The call for climate change to be a central issue in the next general election is not surprising.
Policymakers are being urged to respond to climate change
The younger generation has grown increasingly aware of the global impact of climate change and is demanding that policymakers respond.
Chris Skidmore, minister of state for universities, science, research and innovation, cautioned that the upcoming general election would be “critical” for meeting the UK’s climate commitment, with the winner accountable for implementing important decarbonisation policies before 2030.
Chris Skidmore, a prominent voice on energy and climate policy, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to net zero, which requires a combination of government policies, private sector innovation, and most importantly; individual action.
It was highlighted that the government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, is indeed ambitious but achievable when supported by a range of measures, including government and private investments in clean energy infrastructure and support for low-carbon technologies.
A key area focus in achieving net zero is electrification
One of the key areas of focus in achieving net zero is electrification, which involves transitioning from fossil fuels to electricity as the primary source of energy.
Chris Skidmore recognizes the difficulties that this transition will bring, such as the necessity for large-scale investments in renewable energy and the development of new technologies to assist the electrification of transportation and heating.
Garry Cowan, our area sales manager at EHC, participated in a meeting with MP Chris Skidmore to discuss the UK’s progress towards achieving net zero emissions and the role of electrification in this transition.
One of the main benefits of electric boilers and heating systems is that they do not produce emissions which means they are carbon-free and highly energy efficient.
The ‘Mission Zero Networks’ were launched at the meeting
The purpose of the meeting was to launch four Mission Zero Networks. The goals of these networks will be to allow participants to contribute to the development of new policy suggestions.
The government is establishing a non-biased network of varying organisations whose experience will be shared with appropriate parties to help with policy implementation.
The “Mission Zero Coalition”, which EHC are proudly part of, will look into the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academic experts in driving progress towards net zero.
Each network member would be able to actively participate in the conversations and will also be able to assist in influencing the direction of the report, particularly through case studies and site visits from the group.
A new building assessment process will help to ensure buildings are constructed with energy efficiency in mind
One approach would be to replace the current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment process with a more rigorous and comprehensive assessment to ensure buildings in the UK will not require retrofitting as it can be costly and disruptive.
By implementing a new building assessment process, the UK government can help to ensure that new buildings are constructed with energy efficiency in mind, reducing the need for retrofitting in the future.
Chris Skidmore stated: “ I have called for a national retrofit program to install heat pumps and end our reliance on gas. The future of home heat, be in no doubt will be electric. While the Net Zero review urges The government to decide sooner rather than later on the future uses of hydrogen for home heating, we need to get real that the net zero transition will be, above all a transition away from gas of all forms, towards electricity”
Much of what has already been said is already incorporated in the EHC ethos; end user education and awareness was highlighted multiple times as being critical to the transition process. At EHC we believe that “The cheapest form of energy is the energy we do not use”.
