Overview

The Climate Change (Sectoral Targets) Bill aims to establish specific targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy use across various sectors in the UK. It sets out ambitious goals for energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy generation, and the use of combined heat and power, with the ultimate goal of contributing to international climate change efforts.

Description

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to set and achieve targets across various sectors. These include:

• Energy Efficiency: A minimum 20% increase in residential energy efficiency by 2020 (from a 2010 baseline), and a minimum 10% decrease in commercial/public sector energy usage by 2010 and 2020 (from 2005 and 2010 baselines respectively).
• Renewable Energy: A target of 10% renewable electricity generation by 2010 and 20% by 2020. A separate target for overall renewable energy consumption of at least 20% by 2020 will be set within two years of the bill passing.
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Installation of 10 gigawatts of CHP capacity by 2010.
• Microgeneration: An eightfold increase in dwellings with microgeneration installations by 2012 (compared to 2007 levels).
• Energy Performance of Buildings: 80% of dwellings to achieve a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of 80 or above by 2016; all new dwellings built from 2016 to be zero carbon; and all dwellings occupied by vulnerable households to achieve a SAP rating of 65 or above by 2010.

The Secretary of State must consult relevant bodies and organizations before setting these targets and will publish a strategy outlining the measures for achieving them. The targets can be amended by order, subject to parliamentary approval. Definitions for key terms like "vulnerable household" and "zero carbon" are included in the bill.

Government Spending

The bill states that all costs associated with the Secretary of State's duties under this act, as well as any increases in spending under other acts attributable to this act, will be met from funds provided by Parliament. Specific figures are not provided.

Groups Affected

• Households: Will be affected by energy efficiency targets (potentially through renovation requirements and energy bills), and targets related to the energy performance of buildings.
• Businesses: Commercial and public sector organizations will face energy usage reduction targets. The energy efficiency, renewables, CHP, and microgeneration industries will experience opportunities and/or regulatory changes.
• Energy Sector: The bill will significantly impact the energy sector, driving investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
• Vulnerable Households: These households (elderly, families with children, and those with disabilities) will be subject to specific energy efficiency standards for their homes.

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