Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 40
40
Accepted
Develop progressively ratcheted carbon targets and set timeframe for mandatory whole-life carbon assessments.
Recommendation
Additionally: a. “We recommend that following the introduction of whole life carbon assessments, the Government should develop progressively ratcheted carbon targets for the built environment, to match the pathway to net zero set out in periodic carbon budgets. These ratcheting targets should be reported on annually, and progress reports towards achieving these targets should be published annually as part of the Net Zero Strategy indicators”. 92 b. “We recommend that a clear timeframe for the introduction of mandatory whole-life carbon assessments and ratcheting targets should be set by Government by the end of this year”. (Recommendation, Paragraph 142)
Government Response Summary
The government states that it has already set legally binding carbon reduction targets and that it must be able to meet those targets in the round.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
74. The Government has set legally binding carbon reduction targets, including the Sixth Carbon Budget which legislates to cut emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. These targets cover all sectors of the economy, and are designed to ensure that the UK remains on track to achieve net zero by 2050. What is important is that the Government remains able to meet its carbon reduction targets in the round, even if emissions rise in one area they must be fully balanced by either further carbon savings or high- quality and permanent greenhouse gas removals elsewhere.