• Sectors we work in banner(2)

    Quick Reads

Keeping it Green

The Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) report to Parliament was published yesterday (25 June 2020) which assesses the UK’s efforts to reduce emissions over the past year. The report also provides specific advice on securing a green and resilient recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s key findings focus on what can be done during these uncertain times and proposed actions for building a resilient recovery. 


Key priorities that the report reflects upon include low-carbon retrofits and buildings that are fit for the future, and infrastructure to make it easy for people to walk, cycle, and work remotely. In addition it seeks to identify the opportunities available to support the transition and a green recovery. These opportunities include investing in the UK’s workforce, in lower-carbon behaviours and innovation through various means, such as reskilling/retraining programmes and targeted science and innovation funding. It is therefore important that we are thinking long-term in respect of building resources and supporting our economic wellbeing. 


The Committee has also reflected upon implementing a strong set of standards that ensure buildings are designed for a changing climate and deliver high levels of energy efficiency and low-carbon heat for new and existing buildings. What is also significant is the CCC's advice on climate adaption and their proposal to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to set a national target for increasing the area of urban greenspaceThis not only seeks to improve environmental conditions but also promote human well-being. 


Overall, the report represents a positive step in the right direction in respect of proposed advice and actions that can be taken during the current crisis and going forward. It is worth noting that the recommendations provided are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive, but rather a proposed guide as to how the Cabinet Committee may hold departments to account. Whether or not the advice will be taken on board in the construction industry remains to be seen but undeniably the thinking seems to have refocused and there is a recognition that it is important, especially during these times to strive for a greener, and more sustainable future. 

a strong set of standards that ensures buildings are designed for a changing climate and deliver high levels of energy efficiency and low-carbon heat for new and existing buildings

Our thinking

  • Drapers quotes Kerry Stares on the potential for a review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015

    Kerry Stares

    In the Press

  • The EU Omnibus: resetting the rules on sustainability due diligence

    Kerry Stares

    Insights

  • Charles Russell Speechlys joins Legal Charter 1.5 as a Dialogue Partner and announces its involvement in a new carbon finance project

    Kerry Stares

    News

  • Further protection may mean further complications for development in Protected Landscapes

    Sophie Willis

    Quick Reads

  • The UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan

    Rachael Davidson

    Insights

  • Great British Energy: Planning for a Greener Britain

    Charlotte Inglis

    Insights

  • Insights from FRC’s review of Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“CFD”) by AIM and large private companies

    Megan Gray

    Quick Reads

  • Legal developments set to shape the UK’s Real Estate sector in 2025

    Sarah Morley

    Insights

  • A critical reassessment of the Modern Slavery Act from the House of Lords

    Kerry Stares

    Insights

  • Rachael Davidson writes for Edie.net on the role of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)

    Rachael Davidson

    In the Press

  • Hydrogen Hurdles: navigating the path to net zero in the UK

    Rachael Davidson

    Insights

  • Neurodiversity and the Law: Creating a Supportive Work Environment

    Briony Richards

    Insights

  • The EU Deforestation Regulation: an update and what it means for companies

    Kerry Stares

    Insights

  • The New UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard 2024 – an ESG milestone?

    Tegan Johnson

    Insights

  • A chink of light in an otherwise gloomy budget for farmers and rural business owners?

    Katie Talbot

    Quick Reads

  • Foundation Fortnight 2024: A celebration of impact

    Debbie Watson

    News

  • What do new sustainability rules mean for the fashion industry?

    Ilona Bateson

    Insights

  • Preparing for additional mandatory climate-related disclosures under the new ISSB global standards

    Kerry Stares

    Insights

  • The rise of the S in ESG

    Kerry Stares

    Insights

  • Cider, Sustainability and Estate Plans

    Phil Webb

    Quick Reads

Back to top