The UK government has relaunched an expanded Net Zero Council, bringing together business leaders, civil society, and local authorities to accelerate the shift to clean energy as part of its plan for growth.
At its first meeting on 5 February, industry leaders backed the government’s commitment to economic growth and net zero, with plans to support businesses, create jobs, and drive investment in green energy.
Co-chaired by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Co-operative Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq, the Council includes major corporations such as Siemens, Nestlé, and HSBC, alongside new members including the Trades Union Congress, Design Council, and Aviva Investors.
The Council has set out its priorities for the next two years, aiming to accelerate progress towards net zero. It will provide expert input to shape government strategies, ensuring policies are informed by industry insights and best practices.
A key focus will be developing sector-specific roadmaps to help businesses transition to clean energy, offering clear guidance on sustainability goals. Additionally, the Council will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their decarbonisation efforts, helping them adopt greener practices while remaining competitive.
Another priority is enhancing public engagement to encourage wider participation in net zero initiatives, ensuring communities and businesses alike are actively involved in the transition.
A new Delivery Group will oversee these workstreams to ensure progress. The relaunch marks a mission-led approach, strengthening collaboration between government, industry, and civil society to unlock the economic opportunities of decarbonisation.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said, “Businesses and leaders across the UK recognise that clean power and the shift to net zero represent the economic opportunity of the 21st century. This Council is about turning ambition into action, driving investment, innovation, and industrial transformation.”
Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy added, “The Council will play a crucial role in accelerating net zero ambitions, driving economic growth, and creating thousands of jobs.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-chair of the Council, highlighted the urgency of action and said, “A faster, fairer transition to a greener economy is imperative. We must work together to unlock the significant opportunities net zero presents for economic growth.”
While the Council consists of senior industry leaders, it is committed to inclusive engagement, ensuring that businesses, communities, and experts across the UK contribute to the net zero transition.
This approach aims to share best practices, inform strategy, and shape policies, ensuring a broad coalition drives progress towards the UK’s clean energy future.
