UKGBC reacts to the Queen's Speech 2022

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today responded to the legislative proposals laid out in the Queen’s Speech 2022.

Key features of the Queen’s Speech included: 

  • A Levelling up and Regeneration Bill intended to support local growth to empower local leaders to regenerate areas. It will include reforms to the planning system – designed to support more public involvement in local development. 
  • An Energy Security Bill, to support the transition to cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy and build on the aims of the COP 26 summit. It also aims to deliver the commitments in the British Energy Security Strategy and the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.  
  • A Bill to finalise the creation of the UK Infrastructure Bank by establishing it in law with clear objectives to support regional and local economic growth and deliver net zero, and ensuring it has the full range of spending and lending powers. 
  • Plans for a Bill to make it easier for EU regulations to be repealed and reformed. 
  • Public-sector procurement will be simplified and reformed with the intention to support opportunities for smaller businesses.  

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, UKGBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie Hirigoyen, said:

“The Queen’s Speech acknowledged the need for cleaner, more secure and affordable energy. The Government should use its Energy Security Bill to throw a lifeline to millions of renters and homeowners by introducing a package of measures on minimum energy efficiency standards. Without Government action to insulate homes, there is no end in sight to the energy bill crisis, and no prospect of meeting the UK’s climate commitments.

Planning reform is long overdue to deliver development that is aligned with our climate commitments and homes that are protected against increasing energy costs. If the Government is to achieve its ambition to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity, then the upcoming Bill must ensure that the English planning system is in line with the Climate Change Act and puts us on the pathway to net zero. This will help deliver sustainable development that improves the quality of life for all communities across the UK.”

Read more on what UKGBC wanted to hear from the government on the Energy Bill and Planning in the Queen’s Speech, here and here.

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