UK breaks record in low-carbon growth

Emissions from energy use have seen a 10.9% year-on-year decline in Britain according to the analysis, however energy experts believe the results are down to circumstance rather than policy.

A reduction in coal consumption of 20 per cent has been cited by the PwC as the main reason for the decline in their seventh annual Low Carbon Economy Index (LCEI), with strong economic growth and a warmer winter also contributing.

However PwC’s sustainability and climate change director Jonathan Grant believes that the UK’s consistency in reducing carbon intensity over the last 15 years is more notable than the “headline-grabbing” record.
 
He said: “The level the UK achieved is more than twice the level achieved globally, and with a deal in Paris on long term climate change on the horizon, is a strong long-term competitive positioning.
 
“While business should expect and plan for more regulation on carbon emissions, this shows the UK has a head start on other countries.”
 
The LCEI examines the rate that G20 countries are decarbonising their economies, with the ambition of their national targets also scrutinised this year.