National Net Zero Policy

In 2019, the UK Government has set a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This target followed on from the international Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

At COP29, hosted in Azerbaijan in 2024, the UK unveiled a new target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

Since setting the 2050 net zero target, the UK Government has produced a number of key documents that outline how the country will achieve this.

Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener – The Build Back Greener Strategy details the policies required to decarbonise all sectors of the UK to meet the net zero target by 2050. Published 2021.

British Energy Security Strategy – This strategy sets out how Great Britain will accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel markets by expanding our renewable capacity, improving energy efficiency, and investing in nuclear and hydrogen production. Published 2022. 

Powering Up Britain – This paper details how the Government will deliver energy security and grow the green economy. Published 2023.

Mission Zero: Independent review of Net Zero – In 2022, an independent review of the Government’s approach to delivering net zero was published. Following one of the largest engagement exercises on net zero, the review set out key actions for the Government to take to achieve its net zero targets. Published 2022.

Carbon budgets – The Climate Change Committee sets Carbon Budgets for the UK. These budgets set the pathway for the total amount of greenhouse gases the UK can emit over a 5-year period. The Sixth Carbon Budget was published in 2020 and sets out the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that the UK can emit during 2033-37. 

Green Finance Strategy – The Green Finance Strategy aims to reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in green finance and investment by delivering five key objectives, including investment in green economy and incorporation of nature and adaptation. Published 2023.

Heat and Buildings Strategy – This strategy outlines how the UK will decarbonise both domestic and non-domestic properties. It sets out a vision for high-efficiency and low carbon buildings across the UK. Published 2021.

Decarbonising transport: a better, greener Britain – this plan sets out the actions needed to decarbonise the UK’s transport sector. Published 2021.

Clean Power 2030 –  The National Energy System Operator published advice for achieving clean power for Great Britain by 2030. Published 2024.

Key organisations

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 

Department for Transport

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Great British Energy

Climate Change Committee – the UK’s independent advisor on tackling climate change.