{"id":6584,"date":"2019-11-08T15:33:55","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T15:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.holmesmedia.co.uk\/?p=6584"},"modified":"2021-01-07T10:01:14","modified_gmt":"2021-01-07T10:01:14","slug":"2050-net-zero-carbon-emissions-target","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boilerguide.co.uk\/trade\/blog\/2050-net-zero-carbon-emissions-target\/","title":{"rendered":"2050 Net Zero Carbon Emissions Target"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the fight against climate change, the UK has set a target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.<\/p>\n

Announced in June 2019 by Theresa May, before her time as Prime Minister came to an end, these targets made the UK the first of the G7 countries to commit to reaching net zero emissions. However, despite the target, some are saying it\u2019s not ambitious enough and a concrete plan hasn\u2019t been put into place outlining how the UK will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.<\/p>\n

For the target to be achieved, environmentally-friendly changes will need to be made to all industries from transport to food to home heating.<\/p>\n

So, how could the 2050 target impact the working life of tradespeople?<\/p>\n

Transport<\/h2>\n

The van is synonymous with tradespeople. Providing plenty of space for all the tools and kit a day on the job requires but they aren\u2019t exactly kind on the environment.<\/p>\n

Owners of vehicles that emit CO2 into the atmosphere already have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Lower VED rates are available to vehicles with low emissions and electric car owners don\u2019t have to pay a penny.<\/p>\n

When it comes to van drivers, according to the governments The Road to Zero, a new VED for vans that will incentivise van drivers to choose the most environmentally vehicle is currently being consulted.<\/p>\n

Tradespeople working in London will have also experienced the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone, with drivers of motor vehicles being hit with a daily charge to drive through the centre of the capital.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the solution then? Well, a bicycle is the quickest way to get around emission-free but depending on how much you need to take with you and how far you\u2019re travelling, this probably isn\u2019t practical.<\/p>\n

Electric vehicles are gradually becoming more affordable and more popular as a result. Plus, they have the added benefit of no VED, which could add up to considerable savings over time.<\/p>\n

Home Heating<\/h2>\n

Home heating is thought to account for around 14% of all UK carbon emissions. Drastic changes will need to be made to lower the emissions from home heating which will have an impact on the heating industry:<\/p>\n