Last month, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) published its annual Report to Parliament on Progress in Reducing Emissions. This summary outlines the key findings, their relevance to businesses, and the opportunities they present for the green technology sector.

The CCC is an independent statutory body that advises the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and reports to Parliament on progress.

🌍 Climate Change Is Accelerating

The report highlights that climate change is intensifying, with the UK already experiencing more direct impacts from extreme weather—warmer, wetter winters with increased flooding risk, and hotter, drier summers. 

⚡ Emissions and Energy

There is some good news: UK emissions have halved since 1990, and since the Climate Change Act 2008, the pace of reduction has doubled. However, the UK’s continued reliance on fossil fuels remains a major vulnerability, undermining energy security and exposing the country to volatile global prices—especially in the wake of events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 
Over 50% of the UK’s energy is currently wasted due to inefficient fossil-fuel technologies. The report finds that electrification could cut this waste in half.

🔌 The UK Is Well Positioned for Electrification

The UK is among the global leaders in sustained decarbonisation. Thanks to early investments in offshore wind, solar, and other renewables, low-carbon energy is now more affordable. Investments in electricity grid upgrades and smart systems have also enabled better integration of intermittent renewable sources, improving reliability and efficiency.

The CCC emphasises the opportunity to build on this early leadership and benefit from the falling costs of clean technologies—lowering household energy bills, improving air quality, and enhancing energy security. 

🏢 Key Actions for Businesses

The report outlines several actions businesses and organisations can take to support the transition:

• Improve energy efficiency in buildings and operations using smart energy management systems to identify major emitters.
• Accelerate electrification through self-generated renewable energy or electric technologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers to reduce emissions across the value chain and prioritise low-carbon materials and circular economy practices.
• Measure and publicly report Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Align with frameworks such as SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures).

Businesses are also encouraged to engage with public-private partnerships—such as the relaunched Net Zero Council and organisations like Green Economy — to advocate for long-term climate policies that support investment.

📖 Read the full report here: Progress in reducing emissions – 2025 Report to Parliament – Climate Change Committee