Greater and greener homes: more homes, ready for net zero

The UK is facing both a housing and climate crisis. We are not building enough homes. And the houses we do build are not green enough to support this country’s transition to a net-zero economy. Bolder public policy is needed to support both greater and greener homes.

This report outlines and examines the key changes in government policy since 2010 to increase housing supply and reduce carbon emissions from new homes, before proposing new policies to achieve two core policy objectives. First, to speed up the delivery of new homes where development is most sustainable, such as near workplaces, shops and sustainable transport links. Second, to ensure new homes are compliant with reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Emission impossible? Air pollution, national governance, and the transport sector

Stronger evidence has emerged in recent years about the detrimental impact of air pollution to human health, the economy and the environment. Consequently, there is growing public and political pressure for tougher action to reduce levels of air pollution in the UK. The report focuses on the sources of, impacts of, and attitudes towards air pollution across the whole of the UK.

The UK’s departure from the EU means that there is an opportunity to raise air pollution standards in the UK. The report proposes new, ambitious legal limits, legal responsibilities and policies on air pollution.

Pressure in the pipeline: decarbonising the UK's gas

Decarbonising the UK’s gas network presents one of the most significant political and economic challenges facing the UK. Natural gas delivered by the network has been a mainstay of our energy system for more than 50 years. However, the continued use of unabated natural gas is inconsistent with meeting the UK’s legally binding greenhouse gas emissions target.

This report examines the key issues concerning deeper decarbonisation of the gas network. It concludes by recommending new policies for the UK to reduce natural gas use and decarbonise the gas network affordably and with minimal disruption.

Clearing the air: reducing air pollution in the West Midlands

Air pollution, especially in urban areas, is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. A growing evidence base shows that exposure to air pollution is associated with significant negative impacts on human health and productivity.

This report examines the scale of, consequences of and public attitudes towards air pollution in the West Midlands. It concludes by proposing new transport policies for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and its seven constituent local authorities to adopt to reduce air pollution in the region.

Conservation nation: protecting and restoring the natural world

Nature is facing unparalleled threats. Under Conservative Governments this decade, there has been progress on nature conservation, at home and abroad. But there is still much more to do, including in policy design and public funding.

This book brings together leading experts, policymakers, opinion formers, and politicians both from conservative and independent backgrounds to explore proposals, and mobilise support across the political spectrum for future conservation efforts.

A greener, more pleasant land: a new market-based commissioning scheme for rural payments

Brexit presents the UK with an historic opportunity to enhance its natural environment. Rural payments are currently determined predominantly by the EU through the Common Agricultural Policy, but after Brexit they could be reformed to deliver major benefits for the environment and wider society.

This report proposes a new online, market-based commissioning scheme for rural payments whereby a range of beneficiaries commission suppliers to provide certain ecosystem services.

Green conservatives? Understanding what conservatives think about the environment

Preserving and enhancing the environment for future generations to enjoy should be at the heart of conservative thinking. But a small number of high-profile conservatives are sceptical of environmental policies, particularly those that mitigate climate change.

This polling report unearths what most Conservative voters think about protecting the natural environment and reducing the harmful effects of climate change. It examines the views of Conservatives, including those with different socio-demographic characteristics, on key environmental issues such as air pollution, home energy improvements, Britain’s power sector, and the future of environmental regulations post-Brexit.

Better homes: incentivising home energy improvements

Homes in the UK need to consume less and greener energy so that important targets for reducing carbon emissions are achieved. Government sought to incentivise home energy
improvements by creating the Green Deal in 2013, but this was a failure and ended after two years. There is now a policy vacuum.

This report examines the current market in energy efficiency measures and decentralised renewable technologies, and the possible reasons for the Green Deal’s failure. It proposes a new home energy improvement scheme in the able to pay sector.

Keeping the lights on: security of supply after coal

The Government has announced that it will phase out the use of coal in electricity generation by the mid-2020s, making the UK the first country to use coal for electricity generation and now the first developed country to phase it out completely. Since the announcement, however, there has been concern about the implications for the UK’s energy security as coal is removed from the grid.

This report analyses the impact of the coal phase-out on the power system, the demand for gas, the UK’s emissions targets and households bills. The lights will stay on. In fact, it is feasible and desirable to phase out coal currently planned.

Green and responsible conservatism

This report sets out how the centre-right of British politics could better embed sustainability and long-termism within the UK economy. By understanding and overcoming the issues that impede our ability to become more sustainable and long-term, we can deliver better environmental, economic, and social outcomes. 

The report proposes ambitious and cost-effective policies to build a greener and more long-term economy based around three major themes: tackling the tragedy of horizons in public and private sector institutions, securing value for money in relation to environmental outcomes, and urging a new internationalism to address climate change.