UK climate policy

Recap this webinar from Chapter Zero and the Deloitte Academy, where we explored the UK government's Sustainability and Growth agenda and their implications for UK businesses.

On 25 June, during London Climate Action Week, the UK government issued a package of consultations designed, collectively, to support private investment to deliver the government’s clean energy superpower mission and make the UK the “sustainable finance capital of the world”. The key points covered by these consultations, and their relevance to Chapter Zero members, are set out below. We also draw your attention to other related regulatory and policy developments. We will keep members updated on these initiatives, which will shape the operating environment for your business.  

Our UK policy briefing aims to highlight the latest developments in UK climate policy directly relevant to NEDs.

Our November climate policy briefing covers key climate-related announcements and policy signals throughout October and November 2024, including the International Investment Summit (hosted by the UK), the Autumn Budget, the Prime Minister’s speech at COP29 and the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech.

The UK’s target to reduce emissions by 81% on 1990 levels by 2035 indicated new commitment and leadership by the UK in tackling the climate crisis, says Chapter Zero CEO, Vicky Moffatt.

On 25 June 2025, the UK’s climate advisory group, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) published its annual report to Parliament, 'Progress in reducing emissions,' in accordance with its mandate under the Climate Change Act 2008.

The government is actively developing strategies and policies which will impact business and investor decisions on the future of UK industry.* Major policies include the refreshed Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy (~Q4 2025/Q1 2026), Industrial Strategy (published June 2025), Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (~2026), Regional Energy Strategic Plans (~late 2027) Circular Economy Strategy (green paper expected Autumn 2025), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) (Start of 2027) and the continued development of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), including the possible linkage with the EU ETS.

On 25 June the Climate Change Committee released their annual report on the UK’s progress in tackling climate change.

On 26 June 2025 Global Reporting Initiative announced new guidelines regarding Climate Change and Energy Standards.

Make informed decisions by understanding how climate change presents material financial and systemic risks which affect corporations and their investors, using the Climate Governance Initiative and Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative's Directors' Duties Navigator, with an updated section for the United Kingdom jurisdiction.

Watch Chapter Zero and the Deloitte Academy's discussion of the UK government's Sustainability and Growth agenda and the implications for UK businesses. This session included insights from the recent International Investment Summit, Autumn Budget and the key outcomes of COP.