Decarbonisation timeline: The road to 2050
Decarbonisation is the journey the whole world is taking towards a net zero emissions future. The goal is to achieve this by 2050.
Updated: 1 February 2025
UK Extended producer responsibility for packaging
UK Extended producer responsibility for packaging
Summary: The UK government has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging in order to ensure that producers pay the full costs of dealing with the packaging waste that they produce.
The EPR is intended to incentivise the use of easily recyclable packaging, and deter the use of unrecyclable packaging (such as polystyrene or black plastic) by imposing higher fees on such materials.
The EPR requires organisations to start recording data from 1 January 2023, or if data not collected from this date, it should start from 1 March 2023.
Small organisations were required to:
• collect their 2023 packaging data but they do not need to report it
• collect their 2024 data and submit it by April 2025
Large organisations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland were required to collect their 2023 data and submit by:
• 1 October 2023 for January to June 2023
• 1 April 2024 for July to December 2023
• 1 October 2024 for January to June 2024
• 1 April 2025 for July to December 2024
In Wales, organisations were required to submit data for July to December 2023 by 1 April 2024. Data from January to June 2023 could also be included in submissions.
These deadlines are laid out in the regulations. However, the Environment Agency, which is the regulator for these purposes, indicated that no enforcement action will be taken about late submission if large producers submit their 2023 data by 31 May 2024. On May 16, 2024, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urged organisations that are obligated under the new EPR regulations must report their 2023 packaging data to the regulator no later than 31 May 2024 to avoid enforcement actions
EPR for packaging fees were deferred for 1 year. Fees were starting in October 2024. They will now start in October 2025.
Most relevant to: Manufacturers
UK closure of unabated coal generation
UK closure of unabated coal generation
Summary: In its 2020 Energy White Paper, the UK government announced that it was consulting on bringing forward the closure date for unabated coal-fired generation to October 2024 (from 2025). Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the government had stated its intention to legislate to enshrine the proposed phase out date in law "as soon as the legislative timetable allows" though in more recent news reports the government has stated that legislation is not necessary to implement this policy.
The UK closed down its last coal station on 30 September 2024.
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More info: Government consultation on the early phase out of unabated coal generation in Great Britain , Press report closure of last coal station 2024
UK mandatory digital waste tracking
UK mandatory digital waste tracking
Summary: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Welsh Government confirmed they will introduce mandatory waste tracking in the UK from April 2025, available on a voluntary basis from 2024.
The service will provide real time information from a central source on where and how waste is treated, who it is being handled by, what is done to it and where it ends up. The Environment Act 2021 provides powers for the government to introduce mandatory digital waste tracking regulations requiring waste controllers and authorities to provide information
More information - Mandatory digital waste tracking
IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
Summary: The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Board published the final version its first two IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards – a general requirement standard and a climate-related standard – in June 2023.
The IFRS Board was announced by the IFRS Foundation at COP26 to develop the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. The Standards will provide a global baseline of sustainability disclosures.
In the UK, the government is intending to make an endorsement decision as to whether they are suitable for adoption in the UK by Q1 2025 (delayed from July 2024). A decision on future requirements will follow in Q2 2025, with the requirements becoming effective on or after 1 January 2026.
Most relevant to: Large companies
More info: https://www.ifrs.org/
EU Hydrogen Strategy
EU Hydrogen Strategy
Summary: The REPowerEU Strategy of 2022 set out the aim of producing 10 million tonnes and importing 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030. By 2050, renewable hydrogen is to cover around 10% of the EU’s energy needs, significantly decarbonising energy intensive industrial processes and the transport sector.
The policy framework to support this strategy includes:
- The EU's revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED) which entered into force in 2023. This sets out binding targets for the take up of renewable hydrogen in industry (meaning mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction and information service activities such as data centres) and transport by 2030 and beyond. The targets must be implemented into national law by May 2025.
- The EU hydrogen and gas decarbonisation package which entered into force in 2024. This introduced a new EU-wide regulatory framework for the hydrogen market and dedicated hydrogen infrastructure. EU countries have until mid-2026 to transpose the rules into national law.
- Delegated acts which define what products fall within the "renewable hydrogen" category and which set out how to calculate life-cycle emissions of renewable hydrogen and low-carbon hydrogen.
Most relevant to: Hydrogen sector
More info:
UK Jet Zero Strategy
UK Jet Zero Strategy
Summary: The UK Jet Zero Strategy is the government's framework and plan for achieving net zero aviation by 2050. The Strategy reiterates the government's commitment for all domestic UK aviation and airport to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 through a proposed decarbonisation trajectory that aims to ensure the sector's emissions continue to fall from the pre-pandemic peak recorded in 2019.
The key elements of the strategy are:
- The UK's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate to encourage the use of sustainable aviation fuels which came into force on 1 January 2025. By law, SAF must now make up at least 2% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the UK from 2025, growing year-on-year to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
- The Jet Zero Taskforce to drive the Jet Zero Strategy, which first met in December 2024.
- The introduction of a revenue certainty mechanism for SAF producers to attract investment in new plants in the UK. A further consultation on this mechanism will be launched early in 2025.
- Implementation in the UK of the global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). A consultation on implementation was launched at the end of 2024 and the final policy approach is expected to be confirmed later in 2025. The government aims to have CORSIA offsetting legislation in place quickly thereafter when parliamentary time allows.
Most relevant to: Aviation industry
More information:
UK sets out next steps to help decarbonise aviation sector - GOV.UK
Revamped taskforce set to deliver a sustainable vision for aviation - GOV.UK
The SAF Mandate: an essential guide - GOV.UK
Scotland ban installation of oil and gas boilers in new homes
Scotland ban installation of oil and gas boilers in new homes
Summary: The Scottish government had proposed to ban the installation of fossil fuel powered boilers in all new homes in Scotland from 2024 by way of a New Build Heat Standard. This is earlier that the UK-wide ban which is expected to come into effect in 2035.
The Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023 implementing the ban came into force on 1 April 2024, however following a review, some relaxations to the regulations were made and came into force on 1 January 2025.
As of 1 January 2025, the Scottish Government's New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) does not permit fossil fuel gas and oil boilers to be used as a mains heating system in new-build homes and buildings as well as existing buildings undergoing conversion. However, it does permits bioenergy heating systems, such as wood burners and peat-burning systems, and it does permit the use of any secondary system.
Most relevant to: Housing developers, heat industry operators
More info: New Build Heat Standard - gov.scot
UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3 annual progress updates
UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 3 annual progress updates
Summary: ESOS requires larger companies and non-public sector organisations in the UK to carry out mandatory energy saving assessments.
For ESOS Phase 3 (compliance year 2023), the UK government introduced various changes to strengthen the Scheme, including:
• introducing standardised templates for including compliance information in ESOS reports;
• reducing the 10% de minimis exemption to up to 5%; and
• requiring companies to share ESOS reports with their subsidiaries.
The Energy Act 2023 has paved the way for an additional obligation of preparing a net zero assessment for businesses who comply with ESOS. This requirement will be introduced for ESOS compliance phase 4 (which will run between 6 December 2023 and 5 December 2027)
The deadline for submitting a compliance notification for Phase 3 was 5 June 2024 (extended from December 2023). Businesses then were required to complete an ESOS action plan by 5 December 2024.
Businesses must complete 2 annual progress updates in the 2 years following the action plan deadline. The submission deadline for the first progress update is 5 December 2025 and for the second is 5 December 2026.
Most relevant to: Large companies and non-public sector organisations
More information: Comply with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS): phase 3 - GOV.UK
EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Summary: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) expands the existing requirements under the Non-Financial Reporting Directive 2014/95/EU (NFRD) by requiring in scope companies to report and publish detailed information on sustainability matters. This information is not only on the company's impact, but also, from the opposite lens, on how sustainability matters affect an company's development, performance, and position (i.e., “double materiality” reporting).
The new sustainability reporting rules will apply to all large companies and to all companies listed on regulated markets, except listed micro undertakings, as well as non-EU companies if they generate over €150 million trading in the EU. These companies are also responsible for assessing the information applicable to their subsidiaries.
The definition of "large undertaking” for the purposes of EU law was adjusted by a delegated act with which Member States must comply by 24 December 2024. Under the new definition, it means an entity that exceeds at least two of the following criteria:
• A net turnover of €50 million (up from €40 million);
• A balance sheet total of €25 million (up from €20 million);
• 250 employees on average over the financial year (no change).
The rules also apply to listed SMEs, taking into account their specific characteristics. An opt-out will be possible for listed SMEs during a transitional period, exempting them from the application of the directive until 2028.
A subsidiary undertaking will be exempt from reporting if its parent company has already reported in a consolidated way.
The CSRD is currently being transposed across the European Union, with varying degrees of national implementation. However, the European Commission has initiated infringement procedures against 17 Member States that have not yet transposed the CSRD. Businesses should view this as a warning and take proactive measures to prepare for CSRD requirements, even in regions where it has not been fully implemented.
The CSRD will become particularly significant from 2025, as the first companies (those already subject to the NFRD) will be required to report in line with the CSRD for the financial year 2024, with large undertakings not already subject to the NFRD being obligated from 2026.
Entities are required to report using common mandatory standards known as the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The CSRD includes provisions for the adoption of sector-specific ESRS. In February 2024, the deadline for these sector-specific standards was postponed from mid-2024 to mid-2026. This will give companies more time to comply with the common standards adopted in July 2023, which apply to all companies, irrespective of their economic sector. In addition, the CSRD sets out separate standards to be used by certain non-EU companies; the adoption deadline for these standards was also postponed from mid-2024 to mid-2026.
Most relevant to: All
Insight: Environmental, social and governance | UK Regulatory Outlook July 2024 | Osborne Clarke
UK zero emissions vehicles mandate
UK zero emissions vehicles mandate
Summary: The UK zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) mandate requires an increasing percentage of vehicle manufacturers’ new car and van sales to be zero emission each year from 2024.
The proposed minimum ZEV target trajectory for new cars sold began at 22% in 2024, increasing to 80% in 2030 reaching 100% in 2035. The proposed minimum ZEV target trajectory for new vans sold began at 10% in 2024 and reaches 70% in 2030 on the way to 100% in 2035.
Manufacturers exceeding their production targets will have surplus allowances which can be sold, banked or converted. Manufacturers producing less than their target must buy or use banked allowances.
In 2025, the target is set to rise to 28% for new car sales and 16% for vans.
Car and van manufacturers struggled to meet the first annual ZEV target citing a slow down in EV sales due to rising costs, limited charging infrastructure availability and reduced government incentives. As a result, the government published a consultation at the end of 2024 to review whether further flexibilities are required within the ZEV mandate, whilst keeping the overall targets in place. The consultation is open until 18 February 2025.
Most relevant to: Car manufacturers, EV industry operators
More info: Phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting the ZEV transition - GOV.UK
UK Biodiversity Net Gain requirements
UK Biodiversity Net Gain requirements
Summary: Planning consents for any new development will require developers to deliver a 10% increase in the biodiversity value of developments sites through habitat enhancement.
The 10% requirement is a mandatory and deemed condition attached to a planning condition. It requires that the local planning authority is provided with and has approved a plan on how biodiversity net gain will be delivered.
The power to introduce these requirements is set out in the Environment Act 2021. Under the updated timetable announced in September 2023 developers in England will be required to deliver 10% “Biodiversity Net Gain” from February 2024 onwards when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments. Biodiversity Net Gain for small sites were applicable from April 2024, and implementation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects is planned from late November 2025.
Most relevant to: Developers, asset managers
More information: Understanding biodiversity net gain - GOV.UK
UK mandatory publication of net zero transition plans
UK mandatory publication of net zero transition plans
Summary: The UK government intends to introduce mandatory requirements for certain companies to publish net zero transition plans setting out how they will decarbonise in the period to 2050, or to provide an explanation if they have not done so. These proposals form part of the government's plan for the UK to become the world’s first Net Zero-aligned Financial Centre. The government is not however intending to require firms to adopt mandatory net zero targets.
During 2023 and 2024, transition plan frameworks and guidance setting a gold standard for reporting were published by the UK Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) to exemplify the content, format and standards of the expected plans. In October 2024, the TPT ceased operations and ownership of the best practice guidelines it had prepared were passed over to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation to support the standardisation of global transition plan reporting.
In November 2024, as part of its green taxonomy consultation, the UK government stated that it would consult in the first half of 2025 on how best to take forward its manifesto commitment to require "UK-regulated financial institutions – including banks, asset managers, pension funds, and insurers – and FTSE 100 companies to develop and implement credible transition plans".
Most relevant to: Asset managers, regulated asset owners and UK-listed companies
More information: TPT legacy | International Transition Plan Network
UK government carbon capture clusters commitment
UK government carbon capture clusters commitment
Summary: The UK government has committed to deploy two carbon capture clusters by mid-2020s.
In October 2024, the UK government announced £21.7 billion in funding for carbon capture projects in the East Coast cluster and the HyNet cluster.
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More info: UK government confirms funding to launch UK's first carbon capture sites
UK deadline for new local authority network heat zoning
UK deadline for new local authority network heat zoning
Summary: The UK government has pledged to legislate to require local authority heat zoning to take place by 2025. This will allow areas which can readily connected to a low-carbon heat network to be identified, and for such connections to be mandated (unless not cost effective to do so).
On Oct 5, 2024, the Government announced England's first-ever heat network zones: Leeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport, Sheffield, and two in London will receive a share of £5.8 million of government. Construction is set to begin in 2026.
Most relevant to: Heat industry operators, local authorities
More info: Heat Network Zoning
UK Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard
UK Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard
Summary: The Future Homes and Buildings Standard will require new UK homes and non-domestic buildings to be zero-carbon ready and to have low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency.
The Conservative government's consultation on the standards closed in March 2024 and at the time the standards were expected to apply from 2025.
In February 2025, the Labour government indicated that the new standards would be published in 2026.
Most relevant to: Building and construction sector
More info:
Future Homes and Building Standards (2023-4 consultation)
Government response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation Feb 2025 - see response to questions 78/81
EU Deforestation Regulation
EU Deforestation Regulation
Summary: The EU Deforestation Regulation aims to prevent key goods placed on the EU market from contributing to deforestation and forest degradation, both within the EU and globally. This proposed Regulation will address significant drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss.
In Dec 2024, the EU Parliament and Council reached an agreement to grant the Commission's proposal for an additional 12 months of phasing-in time for the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation .
If approved by the European Parliament and the Council, the law would become applicable on 30 December 2025 for large companies and on 30 June 2026 for micro- and small enterprises
The EU also published guidance documents .
Most relevant to: All
More info: EU Deforestation Regulation guidance
UK Great British Insulation Scheme ends
UK Great British Insulation Scheme ends
Summary: The UK government has introduce new measures requiring obligated energy suppliers to meet annual energy bill reductions through the deployment of energy efficiency measures.
Suppliers must meet at least 90% of each annual phase target within that year, through qualifying measures, with any shortfall made up by scheme end.
The Scheme will target the worst performing homes and will include a ‘general eligibility group’, covering homes in the lower council tax bands, with an EPC of D and below. It aims to allow installation of single retrofit insulation measures with the cost subsidised.
The scheme is intended to run from March 2023 until March 2026.
Most relevant to: Energy suppliers
More information - here
EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
Summary: The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) imposes a sustainability due diligence duty upon large EU companies and non-EU companies which meet certain financial thresholds who will be required to address human rights and specified environmental impacts in their own operations, their subsidiaries and their value chains.
The CS3D applies to:
- Large EU limited liability companies and partnerships (>1000 employees and a net worldwide turnover of €450 million), or ultimate parent companies of corporate groups that meet the threshold on a consolidated basis.
- Non-EU limited liability companies and partnerships with a €450 million net turnover generated in the EU, or ultimate parent companies of corporate groups that meet the threshold on a consolidated basis
- EU franchisors/licensors with a common identity and business concept and uniform business methods which generate royalties of more than €22.5 million and the where the ultimate parent company had a net worldwide turnover of €80 million
- Non-EU franchisors/licensors with a common identity and business concept and uniform business methods which generate royalties of more than €22.5 million in the EU and the where the ultimate parent company had a net worldwide turnover of €80 million in the EU.
Large EU limited liability companies and partnerships are also mandated to provide a climate transition plan which demonstrates that a company's business model and strategy are compatible with the transition to a sustainable economy and with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
CS3D applies to all sectors and covers the activities of upstream business partners (related to the production of goods or the provision of services by the company) and the activities of downstream business partners (where the business partner carries out those activities “for the company or on behalf of the company”).
The Directive entered into force on 25 July 2024 and Member States are expected to implement the Directive into national law by 26 July 2026.
The rules will start to apply to companies from 26 July 2027, with a gradual phase-in between 3 and 5 years after entry into force.
- 26 July 2027: EU companies with more than 5000 employees and €1500 million worldwide turnover, as well as non-EU companies with more than €1500 million turnover generated in the EU.
- 26 July 2028: EU companies with more than 3000 employees and €900 million worldwide turnover, as well as non-EU companies with more than €900 million turnover generated in the EU.
- 26 July 2029: All other companies in scope
Most relevant to: Qualifying corporates based in or doing business in the EU
More info: Corporate sustainability due diligence - European Commission
EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Summary: The EU has implemented a carbon border adjustment mechanism or CBAM, to address the issue of carbon leakage. The system would work as follows: EU importers will buy carbon certificates corresponding to the carbon price that would have been paid, had the goods been produced under the EU's carbon pricing rules. Conversely, once a non-EU producer can show that they have already paid a price for the carbon used in the production of the imported goods in a third country, the corresponding cost can be fully deducted for the EU importer.
From 1 January 2025, CBAM will allow non-EU installation operators to use a new CBAM registry to share their data with reporting declarants more efficiently.
From early 2025, CBAM declarants can apply for "authorised CBAM declarant" status, which will be mandatory from 1 January 2026 for importing CBAM good into the EU.
Most relevant to: All
More info: Carbon border adjustment mechanism
UK Carbon border adjustment mechanism
UK Carbon border adjustment mechanism
Summary: The UK CBAM will impose a carbon price on goods at risk of carbon leakage that are imported into the UK. The confirmed sectors include aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron and steel. Products from the glass and ceramics sectors, which were previously proposed, will not be included.
The decision follows from consultations in March 2024
Most relevant to: All
More information: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/addressing-carbon-leakage-risk-to-support-decarbonisation/outcome/factsheet-uk-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism
UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 4
UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 4
Summary: ESOS is a long running scheme which requires larger companies and non-public sector organisations in the UK to carry out mandatory energy saving assessments. The ESOS audit is designed to identify tailored and cost-effective measures to save energy and achieve carbon and cost savings.
For ESOS Phase 4 (qualification date, 31 December 2026 and a compliance date of 5 December 2027), the UK government intends to refocus the scheme to cover both energy efficiency and achieving net zero. The government was given the power to make these changes by the Energy Act 2023.
In addition to the energy saving assessment, businesses within ESOS phase 4 will have to undertake a mandatory net zero assessment. The net zero assessment will identify potential risks to the business of moving to net zero and well as possible emission reduction trajectories and ensure that investment in energy efficiency does not prejudice those net zero trajectories.
Most relevant to: Large companies and non-public sector organisations
More information: Strengthening the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Regulation
EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification Regulation
Summary: The EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation establishes the first EU-level certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products. This voluntary framework aims to encourage high-quality carbon removal and soil emission reduction activities in the EU. It covers permanent carbon removals, carbon storage in long-lasting products, and carbon farming activities.
In 2026, the Commission will evaluate additional requirements to align this Regulation with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and best practices. This includes reviewing the use of certified units for offsetting emissions outside the Union's climate goals. If needed, a legislative proposal will follow.
In 2028, the Commission will create an electronic EU-wide registry for transparency and traceability of certified units
Most relevant to: Energy and Agricultural sector
More information: EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming guidance
EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
Summary: The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) aims at achieving a fully decarbonised buildings in Europe by 2050 .
The framework addresses residential and non-residential buildings differently:
• Residential buildings: each Member State will adopt its own national law and reduce average energy use by 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035.
• Non-residential buildings: The revised Directive plans to gradually introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards to renovate the 16% worst-performing buildings by 2030 and the 26% worst-performing buildings by 2033.
The Directive establishes zero-emission buildings as the standard for new constructions. From 1 January 2028, all new publicly-owned buildings must have zero on-site emissions from fossil fuels.
From 1 January 2030, this requirement will apply to all other new buildings, with specific exemptions possible.
Most relevant to: Energy, Construction, Real Estate
More information: Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
UK target: heat pump installation
UK target: heat pump installation
Summary: The UK government is targeting the installation of 600,000 electric heat pumps per year by 2028. This target is intended to boost the adoption rates for heat pumps as a proven and commercially viable way to provide low carbon heating for buildings. The government has commented that it will work with equipment manufacturers, wholesalers and installers to increase supply chain capacity and reduced technology and installation costs in order to achieve this target.
Most relevant to: Heat industry participants
More info: Energy White Paper
France Energy fossil fuel reduction targets for natural gas, oil and coal
France Energy fossil fuel reduction targets for natural gas, oil and coal
Summary: : This Decree sets fossil fuel reduction targets (compared to 2012 levels) of:
• 10% by 2023 and 22% by 2028 for natural gas
• 19% by 2023 and 34% by 2028 for oil
• 66% by 2023 and 80% by 2028 for coal
To help achieve these objectives, the decree sets out the objective of significantly accelerating the development of renewable energy by 2028 and outlines an indicative timetable for the launch of competitive tendering procedures for renewable electricity projects until 2024:
• two calls for tenders per year for 925 MW per period, starting in the second half of 2020 for onshore wind energy
• two calls for tenders per year for 1 GW per period, starting in the second half of 2019 for ground-based photovoltaics ;
• three calls for tenders per year for 300 MW per period for photovoltaic on buildings; 1 call for tenders for 35 MW per year for hydroelectricity.
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More info: Multiannual Energy Programme: its aims
EU National Energy and Climate Plans 2031-2040
EU National Energy and Climate Plans 2031-2040
Summary: Every decade the EU Member States need to establish and submit to the European Commission an integrated national energy and climate plan (NECP) for the next decade. The NECPs need to cover the following areas:
• energy efficiency
• renewables
• greenhouse gas emissions reductions
• interconnections
• research and innovation
Most relevant to: All
More info: European Commission National Energy and Climate Plans page
EU Biodiversity Strategy
EU Biodiversity Strategy
Summary: The EU aims to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 through enhanced protection and restoration of nature, supported by the European Green Deal. Key commitments include protecting 30% of land and sea, restoring ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and increasing organic farming. The strategy also emphasises the importance of sustainable business practices, investments, and international cooperation to achieve global biodiversity goals.
Most relevant to: All
More information: EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
EU Ambient Air Quality Directive
EU Ambient Air Quality Directive
Summary: The revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive, which entered into force in December 2024, aims to enhance air quality standards across the EU, supporting net-zero objectives and prioritising citizens' health by setting targets for 2030. The European Commission will review these standards by 2030 to ensure they align with the latest scientific evidence.
Most relevant to: All
More information: revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive guidance
UK clean power action plan
UK clean power action plan
Summary: The UK government unveiled Clean Power 2030, a plan to generate at least 95% clean energy for Great Britain, in December 2024.
CP30 includes deploying significant capacities of offshore wind, onshore wind, and solar power, complemented by flexible technologies like battery storage and carbon capture. Unblocking the grid, speeding up planning decisions, expanding renewables, and protecting households from fossil fuel market volatility are also integral to this plan.
The initiative will transition the UK to clean, homegrown energy and reduce the dependence on foreign fossil fuels, thus lowering electricity costs. The plan also emphasises the importance of a skilled workforce and robust supply chains to support the clean energy transition. Recent developments include the UK's first Carbon Capture project and significant contracts for offshore wind farms
Most relevant: Energy sector participants
More information: Clean Power Action Plan Dec 2024
EU Emissions Trading Scheme updated
EU Emissions Trading Scheme updated
Summary: The EU has updated the EU ETS. Most of the provisions came into force from 1 January 2024 and the rest applied from 1 July 2024. The update made the following changes:
• Revised rules on monitoring and reporting aviation, installations incinerating municipal waste, biomass and biogas, and on the monitoring of emissions from carbonate and non-carbonate materials.
• The introduction of a separate but parallel ETS for combustion in buildings, road transport, and additional industrial sectors.
• Updates to avoid double counting of GHG emissions.
• The cap has been tightened to bring emissions down by 62% by 2030
• Member States have committed to using all EU ETS revenues (or financial equivalent) towards climate action and a just green transition.
More information
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202302122
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202402493
French law to combat climate change and strengthen resilience to its effects
French law to combat climate change and strengthen resilience to its effects
Summary: This law aims to accelerate France's ecological transition to a carbon-neutral society and to convince French people to consume, produce, work and travel in a more ecological way.
The key measures include:
• Consumer rights:
- the creation of a "CO2 score" labelling to display the impact on the climate of the goods and services; the prohibition of fossil fuel advertising and the regulation of advertising;
- all companies can voluntarily subscribe to a "climate contract for commercial communications and ecological transition";
- the obligation for large supermarkets of more than 400 square meters to devote 20% of their sales area to bulk by 2030.
• Production and work:
- the obligation to supply spare parts for a certain period of time;
- taking environmental considerations into account in public tenders;
• Travels:
- the creation of low-emission zones in France's large cities;
- the prohibition of the sale of the most polluting vehicles in 2030;
- the prohibition of flights when an alternative by train exists for a journey of less than 2h30;
- the obligation for 100% of domestic flights to be subject to compensation by 2024;
• Housing and land artificialisation:
- the division by two of the rate of soil artificialisation;
- the prohibition of the rental of poorly insulated house;
- the coverage of 30% of the territory by protected areas.
• Feeding:
- the introduction of meals made up of 50% sustainable products (including 20% organic products) in all collective catering services;
- the reduction by 2030 of 13% of ammonia emissions compared to 2005 and of 15% of nitrous oxide emissions compared to 2015.
• Creation of new offences for environmental damage:
- criminal offence of endangerment or pollution of the environment;
- criminal offence of “ecocide” for the most serious cases.
Most relevant to: "Energy sector", "Retail and Consumer”, “Advertising”, “Transport and Automotive” and “Real Estate and Infrastructure”
More information: Link to the full legislation
Insights: Legislative timetable of the new measures for spare parts - Osborne Clarke | Osborne Clarke
Indian Green Hydrogen Mission & Green Hydrogen Policy
Indian Green Hydrogen Mission & Green Hydrogen Policy
Summary: The Green Hydrogen Mission was announced by the Indian government in August 2021, in support of India’s commitment of achieving 50% of installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
Following the mission, a green hydrogen policy has also been announced in February 2022, targeting production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Key highlights are:
• 25-year waiver of transmission charges green hydrogen/ green ammonia producers, for projects commissioned before June 30, 2025
• Allotment of land in renewable energy parks
• Electricity connectivity for renewable energy used in the production of green hydrogen/ green ammonia, to be granted on priority
• Manufacturing zones to be identified for production facilities
• Single portal for all permits/ clearances for manufacture, storage, transport, and distribution of green hydrogen/ green ammonia.
Most relevant to: Hydrogen / Ammonia Manufacturers, Renewable Energy Generators, Distribution Licensees, and Investors.
More Information at:
What is green hydrogen? Carbon-friendly gas at the centre of Modi’s National Hydrogen Mission
Govt unveils hydrogen policy as India takes aim at fossil fuel
India’s decarbonisation commitments
India’s decarbonisation commitments
Summary: Prior to COP26, India had identified its intended nationally determined contribution goals and declared these to the United Nations on October 2, 2016, which were:
• reduction of carbon emissions to 33%-35% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
• 40% of cumulative installed electricity capacity to be renewable or nuclear by 2030.
• creation of an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.
At COP 26, the Indian government announced the following climate change commitments:
• Enhancing non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
• Procuring 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
• Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
• Reduction of carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).
• Achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
On August 3, 2022, the Indian government has formally approved India’s updated nationally determined contribution goals of 2016 and its commitments made at COP26 and has also updated them, as follows:
• India’s prior nationally determined contribution goal of 2016 to achieve 40% of cumulative installed electricity from renewable or nuclear sources by 2030 has been enhanced to 50% of cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
• India’s nationally determined contribution goal of 2016 to reduce carbon emissions (to 33%-35% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels) has been enhanced to 45% by 2030.
• The capacity enhancement goal committed at COP26, to expand 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, has been dropped.
• The commitment at COP26 to reduce 1 billion tonnes of carbon emission by 2030, has also been dropped.
Most relevant to: All, Renewable Energy Generators
More information at:
• National Statement by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP26 Summit in Glasgow
• Nationally Determined Contributions Registry
Poland's Hydrogen Strategy
Poland's Hydrogen Strategy
Summary: The Strategy identifies the main objectives for the development of a hydrogen economy in Poland and guidelines for actions that might help to achieve them.
The Strategy focuses on:
1. Implementation of hydrogen technologies in energy and heating sectors;
2. Use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in transport;
3. Use of hydrogen as means od decarbonising industry;
4. Hydrogen production in new installations;
5. Efficient and secure hydrogen transmission, distribution and storage;
6. Creation of a stable regulatory environment.
The Strategy sets forth the following aims:
1. By 2025:
• minimum 32 hydrogen refuelling and bunkering stations until 2025;
2. By 2030:
• 2 GW of low carbon production capacity installed that will allow for production of 193,634.06 tons of hydrogen per annum – this shall cover 99,4% of the hydrogen demand;
• 800-1000 new hydrogen buses, including those manufactured in Poland;
• at least 5 hydrogen valleys with an industrial end user;
• creation of an Innovation Ecosystem for Hydrogen Valleys;
• establishment of a Hydrogen Technology Centre.
Most relevant to: E-mobility sector, energy sector
More information:
Polska Strategia Wodorowa do roku 2030 (Full version in Polish)
Polish Hydrogen Strategy (Summary in English)
Belgian National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP)
Belgian National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP)
Summary: Pursuant to EU legislation, Belgium has drafted its National Energy and Climate Plan. This is a policy document which outlines different renewable and sustainability objectives, to be achieved by 2030. The objectives set out in the Belgian NECP are:
• -35% greenhouse emissions compared with 2005 levels for sectors which are not included in the EU Emissions Trading System;
• 17.5% of renewable energy production in gross final energy consumption;
• -15% primary energy consumption compared with the 2007 Price-Induced Market Equilibrium System; and
• -12% final energy consumption compared with the 2007 Price-Induced Market Equilibrium System.
Most relevant to: All
More information: Belgian NECP
UK solar capacity target
UK solar capacity target
Summary: The UK government has targeted 45-47 GW of solar power by 2030 under its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan published in December 2024.
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More information: Clean Power 2030: Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity
UK offshore wind target
UK offshore wind target
Summary: The UK government is targeting 43-50GW of offshore wind generation capacity, including floating wind, by 2030 under its Clean Power 2030 action plan published in December 2024.
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More information: Clean Power 2030: Action Plan: A new era of clean electricity
Global pledge to halt and reverse forest loss
Global pledge to halt and reverse forest loss
Summary: 145 countries have pledged to work collectively to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 while delivering sustainable development and promoting an inclusive rural transformation.
Most relevant to: All
Global Methane Pledge
Global Methane Pledge
Summary: 159 countries have committed to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. About 100 of them have completed or are working on national methane action plans. Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Guatemala and Madagascar joined the Global Methane Pledge in 2024.
Most relevant to: All
More info: Global Methane Pledge homepage
UK target: 10GW of low carbon hydrogen
UK target: 10GW of low carbon hydrogen
Summary: The UK government is targeting 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production by 2030, subject to affordability and value for money. At least half of this is intended to come from electrolytic hydrogen. The government also intends for hydrogen Transport and storage business models to be in place by 2030.
Most relevant to: Energy, transport and industrial sectors
More info: UK Hydrogen Strategy Update to the Market - December 2024
Ocean and coastal ecosystems investment target
Ocean and coastal ecosystems investment target
Summary: The Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) has set a target to funnel $500 million of investment into coastal natural capital by 2030. The finance is to be used to support nature-based solutions to the climate crisis by enhancing and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems - including reefs,mangroves, seagrass beds and saltmarshes.
The UK signed up asa full member of ORRAA in 2021. Italy, France, Germany, the USA and the EU each support the initiative as observers.
Most relevant to: All
More information: Ocean Risk Alliance
G7 biodiversity loss targets
G7 biodiversity loss targets
Summary: The G7 Countrieshave committed to the global "30x30" initiative to conserve orprotect at least 30% of the world's land and at least 30% of the world's oceanby 2030, as well as committing to 30x30 targets nationally.
Most relevant to: All
More information: UK government press release
German renewable energy consumption targets
German renewable energy consumption targets
Summary: The German government's has set a target for renewable energy to make up 65% of gross electricity consumption in 2030. 71GW of onshore wind capacity is targeted by 2030, along with 20GW of offshore wind, 100GW of solar and 8,400 MW of biomass.
The government's Energy Efficiency Strategy 2050 has also adopted a target of a 30% reduction in primary energy consumption by 2030.
Most relevant to: Energy sector
More information:
German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG 2021) (German language)
German e-mobility infrastructure and green transport targets
German e-mobility infrastructure and green transport targets
Summary: In a bid to achieve its wider decarbonisation aims, the German government has announced the following targets/commitments:
- The installation of 1 million EV charging points by 2030.
- €86 billion of investment in the rail network by 2030 from the government and national railway company Deutsche Bahn. This investment will fund the expansion of the electrified network and digitalisation of the control and safety technology, leading to enhanced rail capacity and efficiencies.
- €1.4 billion in total will be made available for bicycle traffic. The government is promoting model projects and expanding comprehensive cycle route networks.
- Aim of 7 to 10 million electric vehicles to be registered by 2030
- An additional € 1 billion for the transport sector and many of aforementioned projects as part of the Emergency programme 2022.
Since 1 December 2020 tenants and condominium owners can demand permission from their landlords or co-owners (as the case may be) to install charging infrastructure subject to reasonable limitations and the rights of the landlords and co-owners.
The German Building Electric Mobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG) for the implementation of Article 8 (2) to (6) of Directive (EU) 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency into national law will be enacted shortly. This Act will require that in certain newly erected or substantially renovated buildings a certain (low) number of charging points and ducting infrastructure, namely conduits for electric cables, is installed.
Most relevant to: Transport and buildings sector
More information:
Charging infrastructure master plan of the Federal Government (German language)
Klimaschutz-Sofortprogramm 2022 (Emergency programme 2022) (German language)
Draft German Building Electric Mobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG) (German language)
German Condominium Act(WEG) (German language): WEG - nichtamtlichesInhaltsverzeichnis
GermanCivil Code (BGB; Sec. 554) (German language): § 554 BGB - Einzelnorm(gesetze-im-internet.de)
German GHG reduction goals
German GHG reduction goals
Summary:
Germany's Federal Climate Change Act (KSG) as amended in June 2021 introduces a legally binding target for a not less than 65% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and a not less than 88% reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. By no later than 2045, the net GHG neutrality is to be achieved and after 2050, negative GHG emissions. The Act sets out annual emission budgets for the period up to the year 2030. These budgets were tightened to:
If the permissible annual emission budget for a sector has been exceeded in a reporting year, the responsible federal government ministry must present an immediate action programme for the relevant sector. The programme must ensure compliance with the annual sectoral emission budgets for subsequent years, with the Federal Government to deliberate on the measures to be taken in the relevant sector or in other sectors or on cross-sector measures and to adopt these measures as quickly as possible.
For the years 2031-2040, cross-sectoral reduction targets are defined:
How those reduction targets will be distributed among the sectors will be decided in 2024. A decision for the years 2041-2045 is to be made in 2034.
Most relevant to: All
More information:
German Federal Climate Change Act:
Amendments June 2021, German language
Note: As yet the English translation does not set out the new amendments.
Dutch Climate Act
Dutch Climate Act
Summary: The Climate Act adopted in2019 ('Klimaatwet') is a framework law that determines by what percentage theNetherlands must reduce its CO2 emissions and by which date: (i) 49% less CO2emissions in 2030 compared to 1990; and (ii) 95% less CO2 emissions in 2050compared to 1990.
The Climate Act provides the legalbasis for climate plans which set out specific and concrete measures for thecoming 10 years to achieve the objectives of the Climate Act. Climate plans areto be renewed every 5 years. The Act provides for periodic evaluations,external reviews and consultations with stakeholders.
Most relevant to: All
More information: Klimaatbeleid
Italy's PNIEC (Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate)
Italy's PNIEC (Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate)
Summary: The PNIEC is part of the broader national energy strategy approved in 2017 (SEN 2017) and is aimed at some very ambitious targets. The document has to be seen as an additional effort in order to ensure the achievement of the objectives defined in the Paris Agreement and the transition to a climate neutral economy by 2050. This plan provides some national binding objectives for 2030 regarding energy efficiency, renewable sources and the reduction of CO2 emissions. Specifically,the PNIEC establishes five lines of intervention: Decarbonisation, Energy efficiency, Energy security, Development of the internal energy market, Research, innovation and competitiveness.
In the context of a low-carbon economy, the PNIEC also foresees coal's phase out from power generation by 2025, promoting coal’s gradual abandonment for electricity generation in favour of an electricity mix based on an increasing share of renewables sources and, for the remaining part, on gas.
Among the various targets included in the PNIEC there are actions aimed at increasing the production and use of hydrogen, particularly in the transportation sector, providing this sector with adequate regulation, and seeking to lower the costs of electrolysis technology by promoting the decarbonisation of industrial sectors. According to the PNIEC, it would be possible by 2030 to: reach a figure of 30 % Gross Final Energy Consumption from renewable energy sources, reduce greenhouse gases compared to 2005 with a target for all non ETS sectors of 33%, have a 43% reduction in primary energy consumption (compared to the PRIMES 2007 scenario), record an increase of the electrical interconnetivity up to 10%,reach a figure of 22% Gross Final Energy Consumption in transport from renewable energy sources.
Most relevant to: All
More information:
Integrated national energy and climate plan
Assessment of the final national energy and climate plan of Italy
UK target: Minimum EPC Band B for all rented non-domestic buildings
UK target: Minimum EPC Band B for all rented non-domestic buildings
Summary: The government has proposed the introduction of minimum EPC standards for all rented non-domestic buildings, requiring a minimum of EPC Band B by 2030, where cost effective. The government consulted on the scheme in 2021, and is proposing a performance-based rating scheme for large commercial and industrial buildings to provide businesses and their investors with more information on how to reduce energy consumption and lower both carbon emissions and energy bills. However, a response to the consultation is still awaited and the timeline for implementation remains unclear
Most relevant to: Commercial landlords, property developers
More information: Non-domestic private rented sector minimum energy efficiency standards EPC B implementation
UK CCUS targets
UK CCUS targets
Summary: The UK government has pledged to support the deployment of at least one power carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) project by 2030. A CCUS target of 20 to 30MT has also been set for 2030. This target is accompanied by an ambition to put in place the commercial framework required to help stimulate the market to deliver a future pipeline of power CCUS projects.
The government has indicated that it will introduce a business model based on the existing contracts for difference framework to achieve this, but adapted so that price signals incentivise power CCUS to play a role in the system, which complements renewables.
The government has also committed to deploying four CCUS clusters by 2030 (one of which will be the power CCUS project mentioned above).
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More information: Energy White Paper, government response to CCUS consultation , and NAO Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage Programme
UK decarbonisation pledge
UK decarbonisation pledge
Summary: The UK has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030 from 1990 levels under its nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement submitted in December 2020
Most relevant to: All
More info: The United Kingdom's Nationally Determined Contributions
EU Decarbonisation pledge of -55%
EU Decarbonisation pledge of -55%
Summary: The EU Climate Act writes into law the goal for Europe’s economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. The law also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
Climate neutrality by 2050 means achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for EU countries as a whole, mainly by cutting emissions, investing in green technologies and protecting the natural environment.
The EU Climate Act includes measures to keep track of progress and adjust actions accordingly, based on existing systems such as the governance process for Member States’ national energy and climate plans, regular reports by the European Environment Agency, and the latest scientific evidence on climate change and its impacts.
Progress will be reviewed every five years, in line with the global stocktake exercise under the Paris Agreement.
Most relevant to: All
More info: European Climate Act
China decarbonisation pledge
China decarbonisation pledge
Summary: China has pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65% by 2030 from 2005 levels under its nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement submitted in December 2020
Most relevant to: All
More info: Climate Ambition Summit 2020
HE Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China at the Climate Ambition summit 2020
Spain PNIEC (Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan)
Spain PNIEC (Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan)
Summary: The Spanish government's National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) (released January 2021) ensures compliance with the Paris Agreement and facilitates the decarbonisation of the Spanish economy.
Specifically, the PNIEC establishes national objectives to be achieved by 2030, including:
· A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the Spanish economy as a whole by at least 21% compared to 1990.
· To achieve at least 42% penetration of renewable energies in final energy consumption.
· To achieve an electricity system with at least 74% of generation from renewable energy sources.
· To improve energy efficiency by reducing primary energy consumption by at least 39.6%.
Most relevant to: All
More info:
National Energy & Climate Plans
Draft of the integrated national energy and climate plan 2021-2030
India decarbonisation pledges
India decarbonisation pledges
Summary: India has pledged to reduce its emissions by 33%-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It also plans for 40% of installed electricity capacity to be renewable or nuclear by 2030 and to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
Most relevant to: All
More info: India's Nationally Determined Contribution
EU Renewable Energy Directive
EU Renewable Energy Directive
Summary: The Renewable Energy Directive is the legal framework for the development of renewable energy across all sectors of the EU economy. It establishes common principles for the calculation, the development, the permitting process and the public support schemes for renewable energy.
The Renewable Energy Directive also sets a binding target of at least 32% of renewable energy in the EU's gross final consumption of energy by 2030. In July 2021, the Commission proposed a revision of the directive with an increased 40% target as part of the package to deliver on the European Green Deal. Within the REPowerEU plan, published on 18 May 2022, the Commission proposed to further increase this target to 45% by 2030.
The revised Directive entered into force in November 2023 and member states have 19 months (May 2025) to transpose this into national law.
Most relevant to: Energy Sector
More info: Renewable Energy Directive
Insight: 'Fit for 55' to encourage EU countries to prioritise offshore wind, driving decarbonisation
EU Zero emission cars and vans target
EU Zero emission cars and vans target
Summary: As part of the 'Fit for 55'-package, the EU has adopted revised CO2 emissions standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a 100% reduction target by 2035 (amounting to a de facto ban on new combustion engine cars from that date). Interim targets apply from 2025-2029 and 2030-2034.
Most relevant to: Transport sector
More info: CO₂ emission performance standards for cars and vans - European Commission
UK phasing out of new natural gas boilers
UK phasing out of new natural gas boilers
Summary: The UK government has committed to phase out the installation of new gas boilers from 2035, with the government looking to alternative, greener forms of heating (including heat pumps, heat networks and potentially hydrogen). There are no plans to mandate the removal of existing gas boilers.
An exemption has also been set to the phase out of fossil fuel boilers in 2035, which would mean around 20% of households (those that would struggle the most to switch) will not have to make the switch to heat pumps.
The government intends to boost the heat pump market using a £450 million boiler upgrade scheme in the hope that, by 2030, heat pumps will be no more expensive to buy and run than gas boilers.
There will also be a ban on installing oil and LPG boilers, and new coal heating, for off-gas-grid homes from 2035.
Most relevant to: Commercial landlords, property developers
More information: Heat and Buildings Strategy
UK decarbonisation of power system
UK decarbonisation of power system
Summary: In its 2021 Net Zero Strategy, the government pledged to fully decarbonise the UK's power system by 2035 (subject to security of supply).
The government intends to achieve this through reliance on renewable and nuclear energy generation, which is underpinned by flexibility including storage, gas with CCS and hydrogen.
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More: Net Zero Strategy
EU Land use, Forestry and Agriculture
EU Land use, Forestry and Agriculture
Summary: Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) is the only sector where net removals of CO2 from the atmosphere are possible through carbon sequestration in biomass (wood, plants) and soil. To actually achieve negative emissions after 2050, as agreed in the Paris Climate Agreement, measures will have to be taken that increase CO2 removals in addition to emission reduction measures.
The EU LULUCF Regulation set out how greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land use change and forestry should be monitored and reported. The introduction and development of the methodology is phased and differentiated for different components of land use.
Under current EU legislation, EU Member States have to ensure that accounted greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land use change or forestry are balanced by at least an equivalent accounted removal of CO2 from the atmosphere in the period 2021 to 2030.
The LULUCF Regulation was revised in April 2023 to include the following (i) a 2030 EU-wide target of net greenhouse gas removals of 310 million tonnes CO2 equivalent to move away from the ‘no-debit’ rule; and (ii) a new policy framework that includes all agricultural emissions in the land use, land use change and forestry sector, also those currently covered by the Effort Sharing Regulation. The latter, so called AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use) pillar, should reach EU-wide climate neutrality in the combined land sector by 2035.
Most relevant to: All
More info: LULUCF Regulation
UK Industrial emissions target
UK Industrial emissions target
Summary: Target to cut the UK's industrial emissions by two-thirds by 2035, and by at least 90 per cent by 2050, compared to 2018 levels.
Most relevant to: Industry
More information: Industrial decarbonisation strategy
UK sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans
UK sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans
Summary: Sales of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans will be banned in the UK. The Conservative government delayed the ban on new petrol and diesel cars from the previous 2030 deadline to 2035. However in December 2024 the Labour government restored the 2030 deadline and launched a consultation on proposals to support the UK's transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Most relevant to: Vehicle manufacturers, Transport fleets
More information: UK government consultation December 2024
UK target: emissions for public sector buildings
UK target: emissions for public sector buildings
Summary: UK target to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75% compared to 2017 levels by 2037.
To help public sector organisations achieve this, the government has committed to produce guidance on emissions monitoring and reporting for the sector, and expects this to be published in 2025.
Most relevant to: Building and construction sector, public sector and local authorities
More information: Public sector emissions monitoring and reporting guidance: timeline - GOV.UK
EU National Energy and Climate Plans 2041-2050
EU National Energy and Climate Plans 2041-2050
Summary: Every decade the EU Member States need to establish and submit to the European Commission an integrated national energy and climate plan (NECP) for the next decade. The NECPs need to cover the following areas:
• energy efficiency
• renewables
• greenhouse gas emissions reductions
• interconnections
• research and innovation
Most relevant to: All
More info: European Commission National Energy and Climate Plans page
French Law on Circular Economy / Anti-waste
French Law on Circular Economy / Anti-waste
Summary: This law aims to end single-use plastic packaging by 2040. This will be achieved through 5 year plans with targets for the reduction, reuse and recycling of plastic packaging. This law also aims to improve the information shared with consumers and to fight against planned obsolescence.
Most relevant to: Manufacturers
More information: Link to the full legislation
Poland long-term building renovation strategy
Poland long-term building renovation strategy
Summary: The Long-term building renovation strategy is prepared in accordance with the directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and sets forth a scenario recommended for renovation of buildings aimed at transforming them into a nearly zero-energy building and guidelines for supporting such renovation.
The Strategy provides for complete abandonment of the use of coal for heating purposes – by 2040 in all residential buildings and by 2030 in cities (allowing use of smokeless fuels by 2040) and phasing out the use of the remaining fossil fuels, including in particular natural gas natural gas, in residential and non-residential buildings, by 2050.
Most relevant to: Real property developers, Owners of real properties
More information: Polska przyjęła strategię w zakresie renowacji budynków - Ministerstwo Rozwoju i Technologii - Portal Gov.pl (www.gov.pl) (Draft in Polish)
UK target: all new HGVs to be zero-emission
UK target: all new HGVs to be zero-emission
Summary: The UK government has set a target for all HGVs in the UK to be zero-emission by 2040.
There was a call for evidence to gather information for the development of a government strategy for zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGV) between October and December 2023. The strategy was due to be published in 2024 but is still awaited.
Most relevant to: Logistics industry
More information: Infrastructure for zero emission heavy goods vehicles and coaches - GOV.UK
France end of single-use plastic packaging
France end of single-use plastic packaging
Summary: Under law number 2020-105 of February 10 2020 on anti-waste for a circular economy, France aims to end single-use plastic packaging by 2040. This will be achieved through 5 year plans with targets for the reduction, reuse and recycling of plastic packaging.
Most relevant to: Manufacturers
More information: Fight against waste and the circular economy
UK civil nuclear deployment target
UK civil nuclear deployment target
Summary: The government is targeting up to 24GW of civil nuclear deployment by 2050 by delivering 3-7GW every five years from 2030 to 2044.
The government will launch the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund and establish Great British Nuclear to support project development and investment.
Additionally, the UK will collaborate with other countries to work on advanced nuclear technologies, including both Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors.
Most relevant to: Energy sector participants
More info:
Poland long-term building renovation strategy
Poland long-term building renovation strategy
Summary: The Long-term building renovation strategy is prepared in accordance with the directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and sets forth a scenario recommended for renovation of buildings aimed at transforming them into a nearly zero-energy building and guidelines for supporting such renovation.
The Strategy provides for complete abandonment of the use of coal for heating purposes – by 2040 in all residential buildings and by 2030 in cities (allowing use of smokeless fuels by 2040) and phasing out the use of the remaining fossil fuels, including in particular natural gas natural gas, in residential and non-residential buildings, by 2050.
Most relevant to: Real property developers, Owners of real properties
More information: Polska przyjęła strategię w zakresie renowacji budynków - Ministerstwo Rozwoju i Technologii - Portal Gov.pl (www.gov.pl) (Draft in Polish)
Italy decarbonisation plan
Italy decarbonisation plan
Summary: The plan for ecological transition to coordinate policies aimed at decarbonisation was approved and published in the Italian official Gazette on the 15th June 2022 n.138, pursuant to (article 57-bis paragraph e) following subset of legislative decree No.152, April 3rd 2006(resolution no.1 /2022).
The plan identifies actions, measures and funding sources that can be adopted and competent organisation to implement the individual measures on decarbonisation initiatives like:
• the reduction of climate gas emission
• sustainable mobility
• air quality
• circular economy
• land consumption and hydrogeological disruption
The plan sets out the goals to be achieved between now and by 2050, and the interventions to be implemented with the resources made available with the PNRR
EU Climate Neutrality
EU Climate Neutrality
Summary: The EU Climate Act writes into law the goal for Europe’s economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. The law also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
Climate neutrality by 2050 means achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for EU countries as a whole, mainly by cutting emissions, investing in green technologies and protecting the natural environment.
The EU Climate Act includes measures to keep track of progress and adjust actions accordingly, based on existing systems such as the governance process for Member States’ national energy and climate plans, regular reports by the European Environment Agency, and the latest scientific evidence on climate change and its impacts.
Progress will be reviewed every five years, in line with the global stocktake exercise under the Paris Agreement.
Most relevant to: All
More info: European Climate Act
France National Low-Carbon Strategy
France National Low-Carbon Strategy
Summary: France's National Low-Carbon Strategy (NBCS) was revised in 2018-2019, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Most relevant to: All
More info: National low carbon strategy
UK Net zero target
UK Net zero target
Summary: The UK Climate Change Act 2008 sets the legally binding target of net zero reduction in greenhouse gas levels by 2050.
Most relevant to: All
More info: Climate Change Act 2008
