Responding to the Government’s ‘Powering Up Britain – Energy Security Plan’ (released 30th March), Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Climate change poses a very real threat to people across the world and it is vital we take action without delay. This is why 85 retailers have pledged to make their operations, including supply chains, net zero by 2040 through the BRC Climate Action Roadmap. Today’s announcement contains some positive measures to increase renewable energy, move to zero carbon logistics and build green skills, but with the clock rapidly ticking towards retail’s clean energy and transport deadlines, Government needs to go further, faster.
“Retailers need to make urgent investment decisions on vehicles and infrastructure to reach net zero transport by 2035, but there is a lack of detail on how new models and technologies will be brought to market at-scale, putting investment decisions on pause. The industry also stands ready to work with Government to drive renewable energy generation, including through solar panels, and welcomes action to speed up planning, but Government must do more to incentivise retail investment in this area. The race to net zero must be a collaborative effort and retailers look forward to working with Government harnessing the industry’s scale to drive down emissions and stimulate green growth.”
