Is the UK falling behind the US in the race to net zero?
In the global race towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future, nations are increasingly judged by their commitment to mitigating climate change and transitioning towards net-zero emissions. The UK, once regarded as a frontrunner in climate policy, now finds itself being questioned about its ability to keep pace with ambitious targets.
In light of recent developments in the government's climate change policy, the country stands at a crossroads. As the world's attention shifts towards the monumental COP28 in Dubai and the emergence of new climate policies, we are pushed to evaluate the UK's position and compare it to the progress witnessed in the United States' burgeoning green market.
As global leaders converge to address the existential challenge of our time, we will dissect the intricacies of the UK's climate commitments and assess whether it is indeed lagging behind the United States in the quest for a sustainable future.
The current situation
Despite the UK government's recommitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, it has faced criticism for not providing a concrete and detailed roadmap to reach this ambitious target. Critics argue that the lack of clarity has left the private sector in a state of uncertainty, hindering its ability to mobilise the necessary investments.
The Better Buildings Partnership, a prominent industry organisation, emphasises that “The industry needs the Government to back up its ambition to deliver net zero by 2050 with detailed policies and clear timetables that enable the private sector to mobilise the investment needed, boost competitiveness and prevent capital from being directed elsewhere.” Such measures are crucial not only for enhancing competitiveness within the green market but also for preventing capital from being diverted to alternative investments, potentially slowing down progress towards a net-zero future.
This situation becomes even more critical in light of recent findings that indicate fewer than half of businesses expect to meet their decarbonisation targets by 2030, as reported by a global study. This troubling statistic underscores the growing urgency for robust government support and policies to facilitate the transition to a greener economy.
Businesses across various sectors are increasingly recognising the importance of aligning with green commitments and targets. Moreover, there is a discernible rise in investor interest focused on enhancing the sustainability performance of older buildings, especially in the UK and Europe.
While businesses are eager to embark on their journeys towards achieving net-zero emissions, the lack of comprehensive support and investment in sustainable initiatives poses a significant hurdle. The absence of green investments not only impedes progress but also threatens to compromise the collective goal of a net-zero future.
As both businesses and investors seek to play their part in mitigating climate change, it becomes imperative for the UK government to respond with the necessary policies, incentives, and financial support to foster a truly sustainable and competitive environment. Without such support, the path to achieving net zero could become increasingly challenging for all stakeholders involved.
By comparison: the USA
When it comes to decarbonisation efforts, there exists a noticeable disparity between the United States and the United Kingdom, despite both nations committing to the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 under the Paris Agreement.
As detailed in our previous blog about how new building regulations will affect the US built environment, the US Inflation Reduction Act 2022 aims to cut inflation and incentivise investment in developing and deploying clean energy technologies. Deemed the single largest climate investment in US history, it will help the nation achieve their climate goals and strengthen long-term growth. In just one year, it has created over 170,000 clean energy jobs and companies have announced $110b in clean energy manufacturing investments.
In the United States, commercial buildings are responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 16% of the country's total carbon dioxide emissions. Recognising the urgency of addressing this issue, the US government has taken proactive steps to tackle emissions from these buildings.
The Federal Sustainability Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing emissions in commercial buildings by electrifying systems, decreasing energy consumption, cutting water usage, and minimising waste. There have also been recent indications that the Biden administration is actively working on defining what constitutes "net-zero" buildings, underscoring their commitment to tangible and measurable progress in the realm of sustainability. In terms of investment, earlier this year the Biden-Harris administration announced $250m in funding to help Federal agencies implement net-zero building projects.
In contrast, the UK's approach appears less assertive in addressing emissions from commercial buildings. Despite being signatories of the Paris Agreement, there seems to be a relative lack of comparable initiatives or policies focused on decarbonising commercial buildings. This disparity raises questions about whether the UK is keeping pace with its US counterpart in terms of concrete actions to achieve its climate objectives.
Support for net-zero policies in the United States is not limited to the federal government alone. Several states and numerous cities have already embraced the concept and have begun implementing their own ambitious sustainability initiatives. Regional efforts have manifested in various forms, such as stringent energy efficiency standards, clean energy mandates, and incentives for green building practices. Many parts of the United States are taking proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions, demonstrating a holistic approach to achieving net-zero targets.
Progress in Boston and California
Initiatives in Boston and California serve as compelling examples of localised efforts within the United States to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions targets. In Boston, the 2021 amendment to the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) empowers the city to set progressively stricter emissions standards for large existing buildings. These standards are designed to gradually decrease over time, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that all buildings within the city achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050. This approach showcases Boston's commitment to addressing emissions from its building sector and aligns with broader climate goals.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, California has taken an even more ambitious step by releasing what is hailed as the world's first plan to achieve net-zero carbon pollution. This comprehensive plan signifies California's leadership in combating climate change, and it underscores the state's determination to reduce its carbon emissions to net-zero levels. The plan is a testament to California's proactive approach, showcasing a commitment to innovative solutions and robust policies to mitigate carbon pollution across various sectors.
How we can help
Ultimately, the UK Government’s decision will prolong our transition to net zero. Whether it is falling behind is up to personal interpretation, but it’s clear that the UK is now presented with a real opportunity to catch up by investing in this area.
If you’re ready to make a difference when it comes to reducing your property’s carbon emissions, get in touch with us today.
