Sustainability: IWFM seeks members’ views on new Government plans for decarbonisation, building energy performance and waste

News

In the year that the UK hosts the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference, the Government is moving forward on its environmental agenda in order to meet its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to stimulate a green post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

In its new Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, the Government has set out its ambition to create a competitive, low-carbon future for the UK's manufacturing and construction sectors. It has also published details of projects set to benefit from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which provides grants for public sector bodies in England to reduce carbon emissions in hospitals, schools and council buildings through funding of low carbon heating systems and energy efficiency measures. IWFM’s award-winning magazine Facilitate has published a brief overview of these decarbonisation plans.

At the same time, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has launched a public consultation on introducing a national policy framework for rating the energy and carbon performance of large commercial and industrial buildings above 1,000m² in England and Wales, with annual ratings and mandatory disclosure as the first step. With 45% of total UK carbon emissions attributed to the built environment, facilities management has a key role to play in the UK’s decarbonisation strategy and the Government has specifically stated that it welcomes contributions from our sector.

Meanwhile, Defra has launched a consultation on a new Waste Prevention Programme for England, setting out priorities for managing resources and waste by increasing the reuse, repair and remanufacture of products. It identifies measures for specific sectors, such as construction, which have significant environmental impact, with new powers to be incorporated in the forthcoming Environment Bill.

Defra is also set to open a consultation on Consistency in Collections (not yet online) which will have implications for the hospitality and food service sectors. With the aim of increasing recycling levels in England to an overall rate of 65%, proposals will cover the Extended Producer Responsibility Tax on non-recyclable packaging, the separation of materials, signage and storage, guidance and reporting, with new legislation scheduled for 2023.

IWFM will be engaging with our relevant Special Interest Groups and other industry experts to seek their views on these Government plans and consultations, including the issues, consequences and opportunities they present for our profession.

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