From the final countdown to the Plastic Packaging Tax, to the increasing energy prices and the landmark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, February had plenty to offer when it comes to policy news and guidance.
Read on to find out more.
Guidance for compostable plastic packaging
WRAP have published new guidance to eliminate the confusion over compostable plastic packaging. Their handy guide outlines a number of items. One item includes the key applications where compostable packaging will be most feasible, such as tea bags, coffee pods and ready meal trays. The document also outlines where these plastics should be avoided, where there is potential for them to contaminate conventional plastics recycling.
The report also includes guidance for users on which packaging applications might be better suited in regards to composting or traditional recycling routes.
Household energy
With global energy prices increasing, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced support for domestic electricity customers. It comprises a £9.1 billion Energy Bills Rebate where domestic customers get £200 off their energy bills from October, to be repaid by customers over five years.
In addition to this, a recent report by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee (BEIS Committee) discusses how the UK is not on track to meet the ambitious targets to decarbonise heat in homes. A number of recommendations have been made including the requirement for clear, strategic direction and guidance to help meet targets and to introduce support for landlords and renters to make the transition to low carbon homes. A development for a replacement of the Green Homes Grant is a big priority too.
Landmark Report, Climate Change 2022
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has now published their landmark report which assesses the impact of climate change in regards to biodiversity, human communities and ecosystems.
The report covers a range of topics from how the world is adapting and the vulnerabilities we need to look out for. Key findings included how disease will spread more quickly in coming decades, how flooding and wildfires will increase and how technology such as carbon capture are critical to fixing global issues.
The IPCC identified five areas for future climate adaption, including:
- Land and ocean systems
- Coastal
- Urban infrastructure
- Energy systems
- Cross sectoral
-Further Reading-
Green Energy Consulting
We have a number of energy solutions that not only help to build long term resilience, but also save on costs and carbon.
Why we should be embracing district heating schemes
An estimated 50% of buildings in the UK located in areas of suitable density for heat networks, the system has the potential to have a far greater impact. But why are district heating schemes so desirable when it comes to decarbonisation?
Make sure your packaging is the full package
As regulations and consumer attitudes are changing and increasingly favouring more sustainable packaging choices, now is the time to assess whether your business can modify its packaging accordingly.