Not all bad, but let’s stick to the programme… says Mark Krull from LCL Awards
Posted by: electime 22nd September 2023
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak outlined a more watered-down Net Zero road map. Mark Krull, Director for Awarding Organisation, LCL Awards and building services training provider, Logic4training, stresses the importance of sticking to the plan for the good of the people, rather than courting the favours of voters.
“When I first heard of the Prime Ministers plans to pull-back on some of the Net Zero targets I was concerned. Overall, however, what he said yesterday made sense, and it’s clear that some the original targets were unachievable, risking egg on the face of governmental policy yet again.
“We welcome increased funding for heat pumps, for example, which should further incentivise households to make the switch. But, alongside this, a more concerted effort to encourage and support building services engineers to upskill is needed – without an engaged installer-base, targets will fall flat.
“What’s crucial now is that that new plan is stuck to. The UK’s ‘will they, won’t they’ approach to environmental policy is an all too familiar scenario, which leads to scepticism amongst business leaders and the public at large. There is huge potential for growth surrounding the technologies and services that support Net Zero, something that is good for the environment and the economy.
“Businesses want certainty to plan and invest in a low carbon future. From large corporations to sole trades people, shaky policy and unease from the top could lead to many turn-away from the fossil fuel free alternatives that seem to finally be making proper ground in our buildings, transport and most importantly consciousness.
“Policies should be positive and most importantly, achievable – The Clean Market Mechanism (CMM), for example, which was not mentioned in Mr. Sunak’s speech, is something I cannot get behind. Forcing boiler manufacturers to sell a certain number of heat pumps, in my opinion is an inflammatory move that only serves to polarise the sector. We should encourage cross-industry support, not create conflict. I hope that when the finer detail comes to light, the CMM will be scrapped.
“When it comes to improving the carbon footprint of our homes, we are still missing a trick. Whatever the heat source, energy efficiency should be the priority – keeping heat in and reducing bills for the most vulnerable in society. Affirmative action on insulation, draught proofing and glazing should be front and centre of the UK’s Net Zero policy, something that will also help cash-strapped voters who care most about making ends meet.
“Our government should serve its people today and future generations. I hope that Rishi’s latest plans are real commitments designed to better the UK and contribute to climate change reduction – while, as Mr Sunak points out, our impact globally may be small, we still have an opportunity to lead by example.
“When the votes are in next year, I implore whoever is at the helm of our government to continue on the Net Zero path, it is a matter bigger than political point scoring.”
