Carbon neutral targets are likely to cause challenges for local authorities and add pressure to planning & building control departments, says Graeme Cooke, commercial director at DEF Software
When COP26 took place towards the end of last year, we saw promises from both the private sector and government organisations to work towards carbon net zero, made in a bid to show dedication towards protecting the planet and reverse the effects of climate change.
One such campaign highlighted at the event was the UN Race to Zero, a collection of Britain’s largest businesses, including half the FTSE100 and representing sectors like transport, construction, technology, manufacturing, and finance, committing to drastically reducing their carbon emissions.
At the event and beyond, the UK Government is now putting pressure on businesses, of all sizes, to pledge to go One Step Greener and sign up to the commitment, which requires organisations to become more energy efficient, switch to electric vehicles and active travel, and become landfill-free, by 2050 at the latest.
The government is already seeking Carbon Reduction Plans (CRP) from suppliers to the public sector with the incentive of a free review against Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21. Any supplier wishing to bid for government contracts over £5 million must create and submit their CRP.
Although generally, this is a positive movement, there are still considerations that need to come into play. Initially, it seems like this is an issue for the private sector, but it will likely have a ripple effect that will be felt across local government and add pressure to specific departments such as planning and building control.
2050 may seem a while away, but with higher budgets, things are able to move faster in the private sector world, and as a result, will the underfunded public sector be left struggling to pick up the pieces?
How will carbon neutral targets impact local authorities?
Race to Zero is just the beginning, we’re likely to see all sorts of legislation and new carbon neutral targets introduced for businesses, in order to cut the industry impact of environmental damage.
Whilst reducing carbon emissions is becoming unavoidable if we’re to protect the environment, there are likely to be potential challenges that will arise from this, that local authorities may need to have some foresight on and prepare accordingly for.
The first hurdle that has already been introduced in 2021, was a new policy ensuring the phasing out of gas boilers in new builds fully by 2025, and as a result, plans for new houses must either come readily installed with heat pumps or hydrogen boilers, or have the correct framework to easily put one in place. On top of this, buildings must now also have mandatory EPC ratings of at least C or above. As a large development can take over 10 years to build out, there will be no planning conditions on such applications. There are considerations to be made on how is this to be governed moving forward. By planning conditions or national legislation?
This short deadline has caused a furore amongst homeowners and housing providers, and many local authorities have expressed concern that they simply aren’t equipped to cope with the extra admin and pressure this will cause planning departments. A thought mirrored by housing experts is already saying this may simply be unachievable due to the extra work it’s likely to place on local authorities.
For planning departments, provisions will need to be made to accommodate businesses committing to carbon neutrality and the impact it will have on travel plans in cities. For example, a rise in the use of electric cars will mean more charging stations, and a rise in the use of public transport means new routes may need to be developed, and greener vehicles brought in.
The commitment to landfill-free is also a consideration, how will local authority waste be managed and will recycling centres need to expand or change their offerings?
However, the issue that overarches all of this, is that for planners reviewing a new project, how are they expected to measure exactly what its carbon impact of it is, and ensure it truly is net zero?
The construction industry is also facing an overhaul with the carbon neutral targets
The impact will likely be felt from other angles as well. The construction industry is also facing an overhaul with the agreed targets. Likely new materials and processes may need to be used, and it could affect the entire supply chain – causing pressure on developers and their plans.
This may also have a knock-on effect on local government suppliers as well. The procurement process is already convoluted, and recent requirements, such as the ability to prove products can evidence social value has already complicated matters, with companies having to go out of their way to prove they fit the criteria.
Eventually, suppliers may have to prove that they too are aiming to be net carbon neutral businesses when they go to tender, which could slow down and limit the market, this could slow down innovation in the tech market.
This could end up being a massive burden on a small business especially, and it’s hard to prepare for when there’s a lack of guidance from the government on exactly how these targets can be reached or if there’s any funding to support it.
What can be done now to make carbon neutral targets achievable?
It’s clear that as first steps, businesses and local authorities need clear-cut advice from the government and other industry bodies on exactly how carbon neutral targets can be achieved, and how the impact this will inevitably have on existing processes will be managed.
But, as history has proven, it doesn’t always pay to wait for government guidance, and sometimes it’s best to take action to mitigate any changes.
As a result, it would be wise for councils to start thinking today about preparing for this, creating a plan of areas that may be impacted, considering budget, and thinking about any technology or software that might help to alleviate any admin pressures.
