Overview

The Climate Change (Sectoral Targets) Bill aims to set legally binding targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy use across various sectors in the UK. These targets aim to contribute to national and international climate change goals, and ensure the UK's energy needs are met sustainably.

Description

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to set and achieve specific targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and reducing energy consumption by 2020. These targets include:

• A 20% increase in residential energy efficiency from 2010 levels by 2020.
• A 10% reduction in commercial/public sector energy use from 2005 levels by 2010 and a further 10% reduction from 2010 levels by 2020.
• Increasing the proportion of electricity from renewable sources to 10% by 2010 and 20% by 2020.
• Installing 10 gigawatts of combined heat and power capacity by 2010.
• Significantly increasing microgeneration installations in dwellings by 2012.
• Achieving an 80% SAP rating (Standard Assessment Procedure) for 80% of dwellings by 2016.
• Requiring all new dwellings built from 2016 onwards to be zero-carbon.
• Ensuring vulnerable households achieve a minimum SAP rating of 65 by 2010.

The Secretary of State must consult relevant bodies and organizations before setting or revising targets, ensuring they align with EU targets where applicable. A strategy for achieving these targets must be published within 12 months of any order being made.

Government Spending

The bill mandates that any costs associated with implementing the Secretary of State's functions under this Act, and any increases in spending under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be met from public funds. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Households: Will be impacted by energy efficiency targets and potentially higher energy costs in the short term, but could see long-term savings. Vulnerable households receive specific attention.
• Commercial and Public Sector: Will face targets for energy reduction, potentially requiring investment in energy efficiency measures.
• Energy Sector: The renewable energy, combined heat and power, and microgeneration industries will be significantly affected by the targets, potentially driving growth and investment.
• Government: Will bear the costs of implementing the bill and overseeing the achievement of targets.

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