Climate change policy 

Climate change policy and legislation drives the transition to a low carbon economy, creating opportunities and risks to which businesses must respond to succeed.

Here we present the key policy drivers by sector and summarise the international policy shaping UK legislation.   

Our Insights studies provide in depth analysis of key issues to inform businesses and policy makers on how to address climate change and harness the economic benefits it presents.
 

Business & the public Sector

A range of legislation is in place across light industry, the commercial and the public sectors, in particular, the Carbon Reduction Commitment, Building Regulations and the Climate Change Levy.
 

Energy intensive industries

Large energy intensive businesses are responsible for 45% of the UK's business and public sector emissions.  Key legislation driving emissions reduction in this sector include the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the UK's Climate Change Agreements.
 
 
 

Small businesses

Small businesses operate in almost every sector at varying degrees of energy intensity.   All will have premises subject to Building Regulations and only the very smallest fall outside the Climate Change Levy.
 

Energy supply

The Renewable Energy Strategy outlines the UK's plans to decarbonise its energy supply by providing incentives to invest in renewable electricity, in renewable heat and in renewable transport fuel. Most electricity generators are already part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
 
 

UK & international legislation

International policies such as the Kyoto Protocol and its successor are major drivers behind the EU and UK targets and legislation that shape the business environment.
 
 

Our findings

Our policy and markets publications explain the issues and opportunities surrounding climate change and carbon reduction, developing low carbon strategies that engage government and business.
 
Read our new Building the future, today non-domestic buildings report.