New Net Zero minister urged to tackle growing list of urgent challenges

The appointment of Claire Coutinho MP, as the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, replacing the Rt Hon Grant Shapps has prompted the construction industry to highlight a list of priorities.

The mini reshuffle was required following the departure of Rt Hon Ben Wallace as Defence Secretary.

RIBA President, Simon Allford said: “Our message remains loud and clear. Millions are living in energy inefficient homes that are in dire need of retrofitting. If we are to address the climate emergency, help households with the cost-of-living crisis, and create new green jobs, we urgently need a well-funded National Retrofit Strategy, with a robust timetable and targets.

“We welcome the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho MP, and look forward to working with her to achieve this.”

Simon McWhirter, UKGBC Deputy Chief Executive, also welcomed the new Secretary of State to one of the most critical roles in government for tackling the UK’s energy security crisis and climate emergency.

“Our members are committed to working with the Secretary of State to deliver the decisive and far-reaching action promised by the creation of DESNeZ, particularly accelerating progress on energy efficiency and upgrading Britain’s homes,” he explained

“As deeply troubling assessments from the Climate Change Committee and others have recently shown, the Government needs to re-prioritise net zero to get us back on track to meet our climate commitments and salvage the myriad opportunities of a greener, cleaner future.

“Our net zero future needs brave and consistent leadership more than ever, with DESNeZ providing the necessary comfort and confidence for business to invest and championing the transition across Government, so we stand ready to help the incoming Secretary of State to transform the UK’s built environment at speed and scale.”

Meanwhile, this week, ow emission and clean air zones, and other clean air measures adopted by councils in England, to be discussed by MPs and local authority leaders.

Representatives from the Local Government Association, London Councils and Bath & North East Somerset Council (on behalf of UK100) will be appearing before the Environmental Audit Committee as MPs continue evidence gathering on Outdoor and indoor air quality targets.

The focus of the session will be on clean air measures being brought in by local authorities, and the measures the UK Government expects local authorities in England to deliver under the Air Quality Strategy for England revised in April 2023. Measures which local authorities are taking to address air pollution from transport, industrial emissions and solid fuel burning are all likely to be discussed, including urban clean air zones and low emission zones.

This evidence session follows two previous hearings on this issue. In the evidence session on 14 June the Committee examined the health impacts of poor air quality, and whether local authorities have enough powers to make significant improvements. In the evidence session on 5 July the Committee heard from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty on his annual report which focused on air pollution, before hearing from further experts on indoor air quality.