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. It seeks to ensure the UK meets its climate change commitments while also securing its energy needs.

Description

This bill establishes several key targets, including:

• A 20% increase in residential energy efficiency by 2020 (from a 2010 baseline).
• A 10% reduction in commercial and public sector energy use by 2010 and a further 10% reduction by 2020 (from 2005 and 2010 baselines respectively).
• A 10% renewable electricity generation by 2010 and 20% by 2020.
• 10 gigawatts of combined heat and power capacity by 2010.
• An eightfold increase in dwellings with microgeneration installations by 2012 (from a 2007 baseline).
• 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.
• All dwellings occupied by vulnerable households to achieve a SAP rating of 65 or above by 2010.

The Secretary of State must take reasonable steps to meet these targets. Further targets for renewable energy consumption (no less than 20% by 2020) and revised sectoral targets (meeting or exceeding EU targets) must be set within two years. A strategy detailing how these targets will be achieved must be published within 12 months of setting or amending targets. The Secretary of State must consult with relevant bodies and organizations before setting or amending targets.

Government Spending

The bill mandates that all costs associated with implementing the Secretary of State's functions under this Act, and any increase in spending from other Acts resulting from this bill, will be covered by Parliament. Specific figures are not provided within the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

This bill will impact numerous groups, including:

• Households: Facing potential changes in energy efficiency requirements and costs.
• Commercial and public sector organizations: Subject to energy reduction targets and potentially increased costs.
• Energy industry: Influenced by targets for renewable energy generation, combined heat and power, and microgeneration.
• Vulnerable households: Targeted for improved energy efficiency to enhance their well-being.
• Builders and developers: Affected by zero-carbon new build requirements.

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