Environmental Planning Perspective: The Role of Renewables in the Fight Against Climate Change

Amid the global COVID-19 crisis, the greatest long-term challenge to human life remains as climate change and achieving the legally binding net zero emission targets set by Scottish and UK Governments. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) advised Ministers to seize the opportunity to turn the COVID-19 crisis into a defining moment in the fight against climate change and to aim for a green and resilient recovery from the pandemic. 

 As set out by the CCC, the UK needs to achieve an “average emissions reduction of around 15.5MtCO2e per year over the next 30 years, similar to the 16 MtCO2e achieved in 2019[1].“ Renewable energy and energy storage deployment, including corporate procurement of renewables will continue to play an important role in achieving these targets. The CCC stated that: “Consistently strong deployment of low-carbon generation will be needed to quadruple low carbon supply by 2050.” [2].  

Over the past year, the Mabbett Planning & Development Team have supported a number of clients in achieving their ambition of reducing emissions and contributing towards targets. Projects delivered include onsite renewable and low carbon generation at industrial and manufacturing sites, as well as standalone schemes such as ground and roof mounted solar PV, battery storage, onshore wind and CHP.

The Team have provided sites across the UK with services such as feasibility and design advice, Environmental Impact Assessments, online community engagement and managing the planning process. We have done this by drawing upon the existing expertise available at Mabbett, as well as continuing to grow the team with the appointment of our first Chartered Landscape Architects and 3D Graphics and Visualisation Specialists during 2020.