UK Enabling the Transition to a Green Economy: Government and business working together

1. The legacy of the last decade was an economy built on unsustainable levels of public and private debt and too heavy a reliance on financial services. As we emerge from the largest recession since the Great Depression we need strong, sustainable and balanced growth that is more evenly shared across the country and between industries. This is the basis of the Government’s Plan for Growth, published alongside the Budget earlier this year. A key element of this plan is continuing the transition to a green economy. There are strong economic arguments for moving now: to avoid burdening our future generations with the costs of early inaction, to help UK businesses take advantage of new markets for environmental goods and services, and to demonstrate the strong stance the UK is taking internationally to reduce carbon and tackle climate change

2. The transition to a green economy will bring a range of advantages to our economy. It can help UK businesses to manage risks, such as those from increasing and fluctuating fossil fuel prices; increase resilience, such as to the impacts of climate change and seize the opportunities from new and emerging markets, both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, businesses across the whole economy can save money through increased energy- and resource-efficiency.

3. A prosperous and thriving green economy will generate the investment, innovation, skills and entrepreneurship needed to transform our products and services, developing cleaner technologies and capturing new international markets. These opportunities for growth are Enabling the transition to a Green Economy 3 not only from conventional ‘green’ sectors 7. We have been extremely grateful for the such as low-carbon energy generation and engagement with many business and other environmental products and services, but in stakeholders. This is a positive example of other sectors such as the automotive industry, Government and businesses working together retail and construction, as these sectors to make the transition to a greener, low- innovate to develop greener alternatives. carbon, resource-efficient economy a reality.

4. The transition brings challenges along with the opportunities, for example where sectors are more exposed to the effects of rising energy prices. For Government’s part we must ensure that UK businesses are well placed to take advantage of the significant business -~oJ opportunities and well equipped to manage Caroline Spelman the challenges presented by the global shift to a green, low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. As the likes of China and India respond with increased investment in low-carbon and environmental initiatives, so the UK must play strongly to its comparative advantages and Vince Cable position itself at the forefront of key markets.

5. This document sets out the range of policy tools we are using to support the transition to a green economy, the opportunities that are created and the implications for the way in which businesses operate. Chris Huhne

6. This document is a product of collaborative working across Government, reflecting not only the broad policy coverage on the green agenda, but also that a green economy will only be achieved through working together – through concerted action across Government, but also through Government working together with businesses and with civil society. The commitments in this document demonstrate a shared responsibility to take action. 4 Enabling the transition to a Green Economy What is a green economy? Why a green economy?

7. A green economy is not a sub-set of the 9. There is a strong case for moving the UK economy at large – our whole economy economy onto a greener footing: According to needs to be green. A green economy will the Stern Review the global costs of climate maximise value and growth across the whole change could be between 5% and 20% of economy, while managing natural assets GDP per annum if we fail to act, dwarfing the sustainably. costs of effective international action, estimated at around 1% of GDP in 2050. In addition the

8. Our vision is that our green economy of the net costs of mitigation in the short to medium future will: term will be higher if global action is delayed • Grow sustainably and for the long term. or if there is uncertainty about the investment Growth in the economy will be achieved and changes in behaviour needed to make the and wealth generated while emissions transition. and other environmental impacts are 10. The Government’s Plan for Growth1 reduced. Opportunities for green growth makes clear that decarbonising the will be facilitated – including in a growing economy provides major opportunities low-carbon and environmental goods for UK businesses. At the last Budget, the and services sector – and the global Government set out its ambition for increased competitiveness of UK industry maintained. investment in low-carbon technologies and • Use natural resources efficiently. Effective a commitment to benchmark the UK against demand management and efficiency the top countries in the world. The global measures for energy and other resources low-carbon market was worth more than will be used in our homes, offices and £3.2 trillion in 2009/10 and is projected to businesses across the economy. Inputs of reach £4 trillion by 2015 as economies around materials to production processes should the world invest in low-carbon technologies be optimised and the level of waste to across a broad range of sectors. The UK share landfill should decrease. New process and of that market is more than £116 billion in products will be required creating new 2009/10, but it could be much larger. If we act market opportunities. now, UK businesses can be at the forefront of the transition. • Be more resilient. The UK will have a

11. In addition, the UK is becoming increasingly reduced reliance on fossil fuels whilst dependent on imported fossil fuels – by 2020 maintaining secure supplies of energy and we could be importing 45-60% of our oil and other natural resources. The economy 70% or more of our gas. At the same time, will be more resilient and prepared for global demand is likely to increase, leading the implications of climate change and to supply constraints and volatile prices2. environmental risks such as floods and Access to other critical natural resources heat waves. such as water and minerals could also be • Exploit Comparative Advantages – constrained in the future. Supplies of rare UK businesses will be well placed to take earth elements for example, are dominated advantage of the expanding markets for by China, where recent export restrictions greener goods and services have led to constrained supplies. The UK needs to become more resilient to these price variations, develop alternative sources 1 The Plan for Growth, March 2011 2 DECC Annual Energy Statement July 2010 Enabling the transition to a Green Economy 5 of supply, and make more efficient use of produced a visual timeline for the key policies natural resources. required for a green economy and an indication of their direction of travel over the

12. The Government recognises that there next decade. Our progress on many of these will be increased costs of some resources, actions can be tracked through our Carbon and changing patterns of investment and Plan which brings together the actions across innovation towards green activity. As we Government on climate change. make the transition, we will need to take into account the distributional impacts on International action certain households and sectors, including for example energy intensive industries. We will 16. We need a global shift to a green economy, take active steps to help these industries over both to ensure effective joint action and to the transition because the green economy will avoid undermining the competitiveness of UK continue to have and need these sectors. businesses.

13. There are actions that can deliver both 17. The EU can play an important role in driving economic and environmental gains in the global ambition on the green economy and short-term, such as those which improve ensuring a level playing field. A developing energy and resource efficiency. Maximising EU market for green goods and services will these opportunities and managing the open up bigger markets for UK businesses, costs of transition to a green economy will helping to promote sustainable growth as require choosing the most efficient mix well as allowing the EU to leverage its market of interventions where the benefits justify power internationally working in partnership the costs, as well as providing a robust, with other economies to promote high credible and long-term policy framework to environmental standards. increase business certainty of payback from

18. The transition presents opportunities for investment. To achieve this thriving green the UK to be a global leader in areas of economy, both Government and businesses competitive advantage for example in off- need to act. shore wind, and to increase exports of greener goods and services as global markets Government Action expand. Government can help businesses to identify and seize opportunities overseas and businesses can highlight opportunities abroad,

14. Government is using a range of policy sharing experience and showcasing success tools to support the transition, including: stories. promotion of international action; regulation; financial incentives; voluntary agreements; 19. The UK government will promote fiscal measures; public sector procurement; international action to develop a green provision of information; and targeted work economy, including through global to unblock non-financial barriers to the agreements, EU strategies, and other deployment of clean energy technologies. initiatives, and working through the G20 and Using these tools in the right way that other forums to encourage green growth. balances supporting good behaviour and The Government’s commercial diplomacy discouraging poor environmental outcomes is will maximise the export opportunities of important for ensuring that change happens, the country’s green businesses. that benefits from that change are maximised and costs are minimised Driving Investment in Infrastructure

15. To invest in new systems, processes and tools, 20. Transport and energy are engines for businesses require certainty on Government economic growth, powering our work and action. Alongside this document, we have connecting businesses to their markets. Green Econom 2011 2012 2013 Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) EU Emissions Trading Scheme – ETS Phase II ETS Phase III Carbon price floor Smart meters foundation stage Green Investment Bank (GIB) set up Phase I – Incubation Phase II – Establishment Design and operation model announced Green Deal Policy & incentivisation Industry guidance – published spring 2012 1st Green Deal – appears autumn 2012 Renewable Heat Incentive Phase I Renewable Heat Incentive Phase II Climate Change Agreements – 65% discount on Climate Change Levy Climate Change Levy Discount rises to 80% Consultation on simplification Summer 2011 Landfill tax Aggregates Levy Plug-in Car Grant Plugged-in Places Waste responsibility deals Ecosystem Markets Task Force Marine Planning International Climate Fund Electricity Market Reform White Paper Reform UK Renewable Energy Roadmap Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Roadmap National Planning Policy Framework aim to finalise by the end of 2011 Small scale Feed-in-Tariffs – adjustments Further adjustments – following comprehensive review Pending and recent announcements Renewable Obligation banding review New bands announced New bands come into effect Water White Paper Natural Environment White Paper Sustai Waste Review Resource Security Action Plan Energy National Adaption Programme Corporate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions Biodiversity strategy Revised EU Sustainable Consumption Action Plan National Ecosystem Assessment Review of restrictions on landfill EU Energy Efficiency Directive Environmental corporate reporting guidance Growth Review Phase Two Payments for Ecosystem Services Sustainable food production First Climate Change Risk Assessment First National Adaption Plan National Infrastructure Plan Rio+20 – United National Conference on Sustainable Development Review of environmental regulation 1st Carbon Budget from 2008–12 – reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by 22% (against 1990 levels) 2nd Carbon Budget from 2013–17 – reduce Gre my Policy Timeline 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 to 2050 - ETS Phase IV Smart meters mass rollout Phase III – Borrowing powers (subject to conditions) I I I I I I Zero Carbon Buildings (homes from 2016, non-domestic from 2019) Phase II UK Targets – by 2020 (against 1990 levels): l reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34% ms in place l 15% of energy from renewable sources l cut CO2 emissions from new cars by 40% l source 10% of UK transport energy from sustainable renewable sources l low carbon heat at 12%. EU/International Targets – by 2020 l reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% (against 1990 levels) l 20% of energy from renewable sources (against 1990 levels) Shutting down for new accreditations l 20% reduction in primary energy use compared with projected levels (against 1990 levels) l recycle 50% of household waste and at least 70% of construction and demolition waste (against 1995 levels) inable framework for aviation l reduce amount of biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill by 65% (against 1995 levels) y Efficiency Standards l halve the loss of natural habitats and increase size of protected areas to cover 17% of world’s landmass and 10% of oceans l halt loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystem services in EU. Second Climate Change Risk Assessment Second National Adaption Plan 5th Carbon Budget Waste Prevention Programme eenhouse Gas emissions by 28% (against 1990 levels) 3rd Carbon Budget from 2018–22 – reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by 34% 4th Carbon Budget from (against 1990 levels) 2023–27 – reduce Green- house Gas emissions by 50% (against 1990 levels) 8 Enabling the transition to a Green Economy To sustain and safeguard future growth, we support the delivery of renewable energy will also need to reform our water, waste and and minimise vulnerability to the impacts of flood management systems, and ensure that climate change. The new Framework has been infrastructure is resilient to the impacts of designed to be user-friendly and accessible, climate change. This Government is putting providing clear policies on making robust local in place the necessary mechanisms to attract and neighbourhood plans and development investment in the infrastructure that will management decisions. Public consultation on support our economy now and enable it to a draft Framework opened on 25 July 20113. grow sustainably for our future. This includes Following the consultation, we will aim to driving investment through: finalise the Framework by the end of 2011. • The largest reform of the electricity market Regulation since privatisation, to bring forward the £110bn needed in electricity generation 23. Regulation has been, and will remain, an infrastructure. important tool in encouraging businesses to develop greener products and services • Supporting low carbon transport by offering a clear direction of travel and a infrastructure and facilitating the level playing field. Businesses can benefit from development and manufacture of ultra the certainty that regulation offers, which can low emission vehicles and recharging in some instances – in energy efficiency, for infrastructure. example – lead to a better deal for consumers. • The Green Deal which will create the 24. The Government will work to ensure that financing mechanism to support investment the system of environmental regulation is in energy in our homes and businesses effective, proportionate, coherent, clear and implemented in a way that minimises • Our Green Investment Bank which will burdens on businesses, in line with the facillitate increased and accelerated private principles of better regulation. sector investment in infrastructure projects that support economic growth and our Voluntary agreements environmental objectives, such as offshore wind, industrial energy efficiency and 25. A wide range of voluntary agreements have commercial and industrial waste as well been used for different green economy as growth capital for innovative green issues, from single, tangible issues (e.g. technologies. single use carrier bags) to more complex supply chain issues (e.g. the sustainable

21. Delivering new major infrastructure requires clothing roadmap). This voluntary approach an enabling planning regime which is rapid, is less burdensome than regulation, and, predictable, transparent and democratically developed intelligently, can achieve positive accountable. We are making a number of outcomes freeing businesses and society from reforms to deliver these objectives through unnecessary obligations, unlocking creative the Localism Bill and recently delivered the sector specific and local responses, improving National Policy Statements for major energy competitiveness and allowing people to take infrastructure before Parliament. greater responsibility for their own lives.

22. The Government announced an overhaul of 26. The Government believes there is scope for planning policy which applies to all forms of further voluntary action on the green economy, development under the threshold for major with businesses and Government working infrastructure, designed to consolidate existing together as part of the Big Society. Our planning policy into a single concise National Planning Policy Framework. This includes 3 http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/ setting out how the planning system should corporate/1951729 Enabling the transition to a Green Economy 9 general policy will be to explore voluntary changing skills requirements; other actions agreements and other less burdensome include improving the quality of information, alternatives to regulation wherever this would advice and guidance available on careers in a be practical, especially in resource efficiency, Green Economy together with information on waste, sustainable products and food. the skills linked to the Green Economy that will be needed in the future, through the new Fiscal measures National Careers Service to be launched in April 2012. The Government will also improve

27. Fiscal measures, such as environmental taxes, the quality of skills provision in the further can be effective in driving change. They can, education system and raising awareness and for example, work to discourage damaging understanding of the green economy through environmental behaviours (e.g. Climate the work of Unionlearn to support lifelong Change Levy, Landfill tax, carbon floor price); learning among the workforce. incentivise environmentally-friendly products (e.g. Vehicle Excise Duty) and energy Public procurement efficiency (e.g. Climate Change Agreements; Enhanced Capital Allowances). To support 32. Going forward, Government will buy more de-carbonisation and provide certainty for sustainable and efficient products within the investors on the carbon price, a carbon floor context of the overarching priorities of value price was announced in Budget 2011. for money and streamlining procurement processes, and engage with its suppliers to

28. The Government will increase the proportion understand and reduce the impacts of its of tax revenue accounted for by environmental supply chain. This will include further use of taxes targeting measures to maximise Government Buying Standards and improving opportunities for green growth in the UK. and publishing data on Government’s supply chain impacts. Enabling innovation

29. Many of the main drivers of innovation Provision of information will be through generating new market 33. Access to information and advice about opportunities. However, funding support will environmental impact can make it easier for remain necessary and important, especially for businesses to produce greener products and technological innovations. services, and for consumers to buy them.

30. Going forward, developing environmental 34. Government has an important role helping technologies with environmental benefits provide information to businesses – for will remain a key priority for Government example, on the expected impacts of climate Innovation support such as from the Research change, resource efficiency and resource Councils, Energy Technology Institute and the risks. Government will continue to make Technology Strategy Board among others. information available to businesses in these areas, to make that information easier for Building the right skills businesses to use, and to advise businesses

31. The transition to a green economy requires on how best to use it. a workforce with the right skills. This includes not only skills in the low carbon and Support for transitional costs environmental goods and services sector, but 35. The Government is committed to supporting also those needed to help all businesses use particularly those businesses that will be natural resources efficiently and sustainably hardest hit by the transitional costs of and to be resilient to climate change. A new greening the economy. Government will ‘skills for a green economy’ grouping of Sector announce a package of measures to help Skills Councils will help business understand 10 Enabling the transition to a Green Economy energy intensive industries adjust to the • Improve infrastructure. Both businesses transition to a low-carbon economy before and Government will need to invest in the end of the year. new infrastructure that supports the green economy. Implications for businesses • Increase resilience. The future risks of

36. There will be both opportunities and energy and other resource security and the challenges from the transition to a green impacts of inevitable climate change will economy and businesses will need to adapt to need to be built into business planning. take advantage of benefits and manage risks. Impacts will be felt by sectors of the economy • Adapt to challenges. For some sectors of in different ways and to varying degrees. the economy, costs from climate change policies and increased energy prices will

37. For example, some sectors will see increased need to be addressed, particularly in the demand for goods and services. Some context of international competitiveness. sectors will need to transform aspects For many businesses climate change of their business models to reduce their adaptation will need to be built into future environmental impact, while others will need business planning. to manage potential increased input costs or lower or volatile demand. • Help consumers make informed choices. Through provision of information,

38. To get to a green economy, businesses businesses can influence consumer will need to: behaviour and support them in making • Pursue green growth. There will be a greener choices in their respective markets. significant increase in green business sectors such as low-carbon energy generation Working together to achieve a and climate change adaptation services, green economy with the UK being a global leader in some

39. While many businesses in the UK are already areas, bringing increased exports alongside at the forefront of a greener economy there strong UK demand. But there will also be is further to go. Businesses and Government opportunities in the wider economy – in must work together to fully realise the sectors such as business and professional opportunities and thus drive green growth. services, retail, automotive, construction, electronics and other manufacturing 40. Government has already set out in the recent sectors. publication Every Business Commits that it will help businesses succeed so they can create • Maximise their energy- and resource- jobs, wealth and opportunity. Government in efficiency. There are clear business return has asked businesses to act, including benefits and market opportunities from by reducing carbon and protecting the improved energy- and resource-efficiency, environment. delivering major cost savings and increased competitiveness. 41. As we transition to a green economy the relationship between business and • Innovate. Both new and existing Government needs to be even stronger. technologies, production processes and Below are a series of Government business models will be used to reduce use commitments that will support the move to of resources, waste, carbon emissions and a green economy. Also highlighted are actions other environmental impacts across supply that a number of leading businesses are chains. Innovation will also be required to already undertaking and that we encourage lower the cost of key ‘green’ technologies and others to consider. improve their performance. Enabling the transition to a Green Economy 11 Government commitments to support a green economy Government will… Business could… Develop a green policy framework which: Work with Government to: Is effective, clear, stable and as streamlined and explore voluntary approaches to greening minimally burdensome as possible; products and services; Encourages investment; Identify areas of green policy and regulation Protects existing investments, where possible, which can be streamlined whilst remaining through use of ‘grandfathering’ (protecting effective; pre-existing rights). Invest in greener products, services and production processes. Promote the UK as a global leader in green Help Government publicise the skills and exports and encourage green inward expertise of UK-based business. investment. Provide accessible advice and support to enable Become increasingly resource efficient and build businesses to increase their resource efficiency, risks of energy/resource security and climate resource security and resilience to climate change. change into future business planning. Ensure that Government ‘green’ policies take Continue to explore production processes and into account the competitiveness of UK-based business models which reduce use of resources companies, including Energy Intensive Industries and carbon emissions. and develop measures to support businesses most hit by transitional costs. Ensure the skills system responds to the demand Help articulate skills demand through for skills created by shift to green economy. involvement in LEPs, and Sector Skills Councils Support the development of greener products, Design, develop and promote greener products services, and technologies, though continued and services, including enabling technologies. support for R&D and innovation. Encourage investment in infrastructure and Invest in infrastructure that will support the ensure that infrastructure supports the green economy. green economy, including through the Green Investment Bank Enable UK-based businesses to compete in Work together, where possible, to help build green, low carbon supply chains where the UK UK-based supply chains. has expertise. Procure products that meet cost-effective Adopt sustainability standards for their sustainability standards. procurement. Help businesses understand the value of and Consider the value of the natural environment their impact on the natural environment. to their business. © Crown copyright 2011 You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/ open-government-licence/ or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk. Any enquiries regarding this document/publication* should be sent to us at [insert contact for department]. This publication is available for download at www.official-documents.gov.uk.