Policy and legislation

The overarching legislative framework for net zero

The Climate Change Act 2008 is the foundation of the UK’s approach to stopping its contributing to climate change. As stated by the government’s independent advisory body, the Climate Change Committee (CCC):

“It requires that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are reduced and that climate change are adapted to. The act also establishes the framework to deliver on these requirements.”

In 2019, the UK amended the Climate Change Act 2008 to set a target to end its contribution to global warming by 2050.

The targets contained in the legislation require the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, compared with the previous target of at least 80% reduction from 1990 levels.

Read the CCC explainer of Climate Change Act 2008.

The devolved governments are responsible for the environment, economic development and housing in their respective nations. Each country is pursuing their own targets in working towards the UK’s net zero goal, and the laws supporting this include:

Scotland

In Scotland, the legislation setting out targets and approaches to carbon reduction are:

These set out an overarching goal of reaching net zero by 2045 and an interim target of 75% reduction by 2030.

Wales

In Wales, the main legislation is:

Environment (Wales) Act 2016
Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015

Wales also has a legally binding target to reduce carbon emissions by 63% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the main legislation is:

Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

Ireland

In Ireland there is a similar legislation to the UK framework in place called Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.

CIH summaries of key policies in the UK and Ireland

CIH produces regular summaries of the main policies and legislation that are designed to make progress towards stopping the contribution of housing to climate change. These policies usually have additional aims, especially tackling fuel poverty.