IEMA submits evidence to the Skidmore Review

IEMA has submitted a response to the Skidmore Review of Net Zero: call for evidence, calling for greater clarity and certainty in policy direction. Here, Chloë Fiddy, IEMA’s Policy and Engagement Lead for climate change sets out the key points from the submission.

The Review has the remit to ensure that delivering the net zero target does not place undue burdens on businesses or consumers.

It invites submissions on the challenges and opportunities that organisations are facing during the economic transition.

Despite the Review having been launched during Liz Truss’ tenure as Prime Minister, we hope that the new administration is able to effectively engage with the many representations that are no doubt being made and that collectively they can strengthen the UK’s Net Zero Strategy.

IEMA members gave consistent and clear responses.

The key barrier was inconsistent government messaging, with policies repeatedly being delayed or withdrawn. The costs of infrastructure for the transition were also raised as an issue.

However, it was emphasized that GDP has risen over 40% since 1990, while greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by a similar amount, demonstrating the clear link that can be made between economic growth and a net zero trajectory.

Links were also drawn between the output of goods and services that underlies our economy and the health and output of the biosphere.

Overall, responses show a promising picture of IEMA members being ready and willing to assist in the UK’s transition to a net zero economy.

Members call for mandatory transition plans, requirements for organisations to implement recommendations on energy efficiency, and for an acceleration in updates to building regulations.

In all instances, clear signals are sought from central government on the direction and pace of travel, and a commitment to invest in the green skills required to pool and consolidate talent in the UK.

The response also places a strong emphasis on export opportunities, building on the UK’s strong record of leading on technological development.

Download the IEMA response here

Chloë Fiddy

Policy and Engagement Lead

Chloë is the Policy and Engagement Lead for Climate Change and Energy and Social Sustainability at IEMA. Within this remit she works on projects relating to greenhouse gas reporting and transition planning and reporting, including adaptation, as well as social sustainability and just transition issues. She is particularly interested in finding practical solutions and approaches which lead to standardised, replicable and trustworthy reporting, so that decision-makers have better data to work with. Previously Chloë has worked at senior levels in the manufacturing and retail sectors, and in climate and sustainable development planning roles in the public sector.

Her prior business experience and her understanding of the way that the public sector functions inform her approach to climate change and energy and social sustainability policy and engagement at IEMA. She is a Trustee on the board of Uttlesford Citizens Advice and a District Councillor and is active in her community. In her spare time she enjoys live music and cooking for family and friends.