Kerry Ritz

Breaking news on low carbon and the Labour Manifesto …… Key strategies include: - Introducing a carbon border adjustment mechanism to protect British industries and meet climate objectives. - Ensuring the institutional framework supports reaching net zero and meeting carbon budgets. - Mandating UK-regulated financial institutions to implement credible transition plans aligning with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. ### Heat Pumps and Low Carbon Heating Support the widespread adoption of low-carbon heating solutions, including heat pumps, through: - Offering grants and low-interest loans under the Warm Homes Plan to support the installation of heat pumps and other low-carbon heating systems. - Ensuring private rented sector homes meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030. ### Solar PV To expand solar power usage, Labour intends to: - Triple solar power capacity by 2030 as part of the mission to deliver clean power. - Provide support through the Warm Homes Plan for solar panel installations. - Deploy more distributed production capacity through the Local Power Plan, partnering with local authorities and cooperatives for community-based solar projects. ### Insulating Homes Labour's manifesto highlights a significant focus on improving energy efficiency in homes through: - Investing an extra £6.6 billion over the next parliament to upgrade five million homes, aiming to reduce bills and fuel poverty. - Providing grants and low-interest loans for insulation and other improvements. - Working with combined authorities, local, and devolved governments to roll out the Warm Homes Plan. - Ensuring that no one will be forced to replace their boiler as a result of these plans. ### Details on the Warm Homes Plan The Warm Homes Plan is a cornerstone of Labour's strategy to improve energy efficiency in homes. Key elements include: - Offering grants and low-interest loans to support investment in insulation, solar panels, batteries, and low-carbon heating solutions. - Partnering with combined authorities, local and devolved governments for a comprehensive rollout. - Collaborating with the private sector, including banks and building societies, to provide additional private finance to accelerate home upgrades and low-carbon heating. - Ensuring homes in the private rented sector meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030, which will save renters hundreds of pounds per year. - Guaranteeing that no one will be forced to remove their boiler as part of these improvements. ### Training on Low Carbon Technologies To support the transition to a green economy, Labour plans to: - Establish Skills England to bring together businesses, training providers, and unions with national and local government to ensure a highly trained workforce for the Industrial Strategy. - Devolve adult skills funding to Combined Authorities - Reform the Apprenticeships Levy to create a flexible Growth and Skills Levy. GTEC Training

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Deforestation Regulation.... It seems like every conversation I have with retailers and producers in the end leads up to discussing the approach to #EUDR Do you know that ImpactBuying assists retailers, producers and suppliers with the #EUDR? We made it our main priority to tackle this issue for our clients. How do we ensure compliance with this very stringent and all-encompassing Regulation? What are the steps and what evidence is necessary to have and show the authorities end 2024? We have hosted several events already around the EUDR #deforestation #regulation discussing this topic with retailers, producers and traders. Showing the EU Information System and the approaches and collaborations for verification of the geo location-data with satellite data companies such as Satelligence and how we are integrating this into out suite of solutions. 🔊 Next up: 10th of September our 'EUDR Supplier update' ImpactBuying has taken the initiative to bring together #suppliers that deliver international #retailers products that may be in scope of the EUDR to inform them about the developments. Both suppliers of private label and branded products can fall in scope of this law and need to be informed on what is expected from them. We have set up a pragmatic program with a few key speakers on the topic of the implementation of the EUDR, such as the Nederlandse Voedsel en Warenautoriteit - Nederlandse Voedsel en Warenautoriteit - NVWA. If you want to know more and have not received an invitation yet, please reach out to [email protected] I hope to see you there 😀 #EUDR #deforestation #deforestationregulation #legislation #sustainability #event #ImpactBuying Marjan De Bock-Smit Brechtje Helderweirdt

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The article outlines five critical priorities for the UK government to support SMEs better: improving access to finance, enhancing digital infrastructure, reducing regulatory burdens, fostering innovation, and expanding international trade opportunities. These actions are essential in empowering SMEs, the backbone of the economy, to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving market. The government can help SMEs overcome challenges, drive economic growth, and create more resilient and sustainable businesses by addressing these key areas.

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New post on FOAK data's application to a Project Readiness Level framework + 3 discrete examples of decisions that would "score well" in this framework: ✅ Use more modular designs ✅ Work to optimize costs in contracts ✅ Focus on integration risk The point is to highlight how MORE STRUCTURE and MORE DATA around FOAK can lead to better projects + funds being deployed more intentionally. Also shout out to Aire Labs, CREO, Infraclear, and Sesame Sustainability who have all reached out to support this effort. If you or someone you know would like to contribute, please give us a shout! We are trying to pull together a community effort around this and need all the right hands on deck. Caleb Cunningham Christian Okoye

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Good to see more progress from colleagues at The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) in efforts to build end to end integrity in the VCMs. The helps the buyers VCMI focuses on identity high integrity credits. https://lnkd.in/dJMSNxus #carbonmarkets #integrity #climatefinance

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Check out this Bloomberg News article featuring Meridia’s work verifying compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Their efforts are vital in ensuring sustainable and transparent supply chains. 🔍 Key Highlights: • Reliable Compliance: Meridia’s verification techniques guarantee adherence to EUDR, giving buyers confidence in their supply chains. • Transparency: Detailed tracking and reporting provide buyers with clear insights into the sustainability of their products. • Support for Smallholder Farmers: Meridia empowers smallholder farmers by helping them meet compliance requirements, opening up new market opportunities and promoting fair trade. • Sustainability Leadership: Partnering with Meridia helps businesses lead in environmental stewardship and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly practices.

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Taking #ESG commitments to new heights: Zip World UK's #BCorp journey. Featured in #Wales Insider Media this week, I discuss how our portfolio company Zip World achieved its recent B Corp certification and how we help the management teams we back to grow sustainably. Read article - https://lnkd.in/eWGcYJku #TrustedwithAmbition #ESGjourneys #privateequity #businessgrowth

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🌍 EU Deforestation Law: Extension of Application Date (#eudr) The Council of the EU has agreed to postpone the application of the EU deforestation regulation by 12 months, pending approval by the European Parliament. This extension aims to provide more time for member states, third countries, and businesses to fully prepare for compliance with the law’s due diligence requirements. The extended timeline is helping many companies adapt to the new regulation by implementing traceability software to streamline digital processes. Key dates (if approved): ➡️ 30 Dec 2025: Large operators and traders must comply ➡️ 30 June 2026: Micro- and small enterprises must comply The objective remains clear: only deforestation-free products — cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber — will be permitted in the EU market. This EUDR is a critical step toward sustainability and protecting our forests. 🌳 IMHO this delay allows to consider options how to integrate concepts, such as the Digital Product Passport (EU #dpp) with the concept of the data captured to comply with the #EUDR. The Digital Product Passport as defined in the framework legislative Ecodesign for sustainable products regulation (#ESPR) is providing a generic foundation for a sophisticated "product data container" applicable for intermediate and end-user products. Please see the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eYWgHNHD More background to the EU position on deforestation is here: https://lnkd.in/efPvabBG Extended background on the EU strategy to reach the climate goal "Fit for 55%": https://lnkd.in/euBm-k7K #Sustainability #DeforestationFree #EURegulation #DueDiligence #dpp #digitalproductpassport

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Watching VCs start to talk about defence investments, (the way they should be talking about healthcare, education, climate change, etc), simply because it looks very profitable/opportunistic in the short-term fills me with so much cringe. The need for short term wins in EU VC sees topic/conviction hopping every 2-4y. Praying for the moonshot outliers. Fearful of being left behind with en vogue topics. Meanwhile core, painful, (often regulated) societal topics… which have so much need for disruption, well these will simply take too long or are too hard. We really need more VCs with a deeper, conviction driven, longer-term view (and suitable fund cycles / LP expectations) to invest in the massive mid-long term topics that will create the very biggest businesses & positive impact.

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🚨 Important Update🚨 : The EU has postponed the Deforestation-free Products Regulation (EUDR) by one year Compliance deadlines are now set for December 2025 for large businesses and June 2026 for micro/small businesses. This delay, confirmed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to ensure that key commodities like palm oil, soy, and wood entering the EU market do not contribute to further deforestation. Stay informed and prepare for the changes ahead! 🌍🌱 #Sustainability #EURegulations #Deforestation #EUDR

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WRAP has published a practical guide for businesses to identify opportunities for transitioning to reusable and refillable packaging, reducing environmental impact by moving away from single-use plastics. https://lnkd.in/eJEMUYzX

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We've been receiving many questions from companies about the EU-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Jack Barton's piece below is worth a read... It explores the mounting challenges against the EUDR and the uncertainty this adds for companies seeking to comply with it, with input from experts, regulators, and companies impacted by its requirements. Only on Lexology PRO. #esg #deforestation #eudr #sustainability

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During last weeks #PlasticsTreaty INC4-meeting I talked with Steve Toloken from Plastics News on the recent UN Environment Programme science report categorised #EPS (Expanded #polystyrene) transport #packaging as “#recycled at scale and in practice” on a global level. This makes EPS one of only six plastic packagings, which is widely regarded as recyclable. It is a tipping point for the EPS industry, as we no longer need to discuss if EPS can be part of the #circulareconomy! We can now focus on increasing #recycling and expanding coverage. The aim is of course to achieve app. 90% effective recycling rate, such as in Norway and Switzerland! In Denmark at EPS-branchen - en del af Plastindustrien we estimate we are close and will achieve this with roll out of EPR (extended producer responsibility). Proud to represent EUMEPS as part of GESA in the process. Read the interesting conversation between Steve, Betsy Bowers from EPS INDUSTRY ALLIANCE INC and Becher Townshend from Expanded Polystyrene Australia (EPSA). https://lnkd.in/deV-C2fW

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I'm looking forward to moderating the Industrial Decarbonisation panel at Innovation Zero's show at Olympia on April 30th. The excellent panel I will have the opportunity to moderate will explore the progress of UK industry and govt against the commitments laid out 3 years ago. I want to get your input on this: what do you see as the key successes of UK industrial decarb since 2021 - and where are you seeing the most frustrating blockers to progress? Add your thoughts to comments, along with the projects you see moving in the right direction. My perspective is that it was been exciting to see some progress made by the major cluster projects, though I wonder how industrials sitting outside clusters can be better served. I am pleased to see more funding for disruptors and scale ups - essential both for decarbonisation and to keep that valuable IP and job creation here in the UK. Personally, I sense that while the govt laid out its targets for 2030 and beyond, I don't think there's regular discussion about what the % in co2 equates to in tonnes and even less clarity on how we're tracking to that target. What do you think... where has the UK progressed, and where is it meeting blockers to its decarb commitments? Which industrials/projects are progressing despite the challenges? https://lnkd.in/dc8ZF58r #co2 #ukclimatepolicy #climateleadership #netzero #industrialemissions #decarbonisation Alistair Drennan Jonathan Oxley MBA CChem FRSC CMgr FCMI Rebecca Tremain Mercedes Maroto-Valer Decarb Connect Nisha Chandar-Nair Jack Figg

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As part of the design phase for a #digitalpound. #CBDC, the Bank of England is conducting experiments and proofs of concept in collaboration with private-sector innovators and a range of stakeholders. These aim to assess the technical feasibility and technology and policy implications of potential digital pound design features. No decision has been taken on whether or not to build a digital pound. The purpose of this experiment was to assess the technical feasibility of using existing point-of-sale hardware, as currently used in the UK, to initiate digital pound payments. This involved a PoC that used #EMV standards to send #payment instructions from smart cards to POS devices, and then to an application programming interface. While the Bank did not build a digital pound infrastructure, and no real money payments were made, the experiment demonstrated the following from a technology perspective: 🔹 Existing POS terminals in the UK could, in principle, be used to initiate digital pound payments. 🔹 Those terminals do not appear to require modification in order to make digital pound payments. The experiment also concluded that it is technically feasible to implement #offline payments functionality at points of sale using existing POS terminals. But this functionality might require that an offline payments application be deployed to those terminals in order to store offline balances. Therefore, while existing POS terminals may not need to be modified to make online digital pound payments, they might need to be modified for offline payments. There are several other factors, such as operational, legal and commercial considerations, that will impact design choices around digital pound payments at points of sale. Those factors were not tested in this experiment.

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TECHNOLOGY FUTURES - Social Media and the Far-Right In the wake of the recent UK far-right riots, the finger is being pointed very strongly at the role of Social Media and in particular how the algorithms on some platforms are written to drive anger, hate and disinformation to become viral. The well-documented Russian troll farms have been implicated in previous US elections, European elections, and of course the current US elections, apparently buoyed up by Musk's Twitter since his pivot to the hard-right. Things need to change. Human Rights Lawyer, and Oxford University Fellow, Ravi Naik from the Law Firm AWO Agency , that specialises in 'Data Rights' has this to say: "We need a real and grown-up conversation about digital technology and the future we all want.” To find out more about Technology Futures, check out Module 3 of Global Geo-Political Futures (Online Course): https://lnkd.in/gWe_9h2K E: [email protected] Jennifer Gidley PhD Global Futures Education @Carole Cadwalladr https://lnkd.in/gn_vB67Y

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COP 29 – that’s a wrap! The UK is leading the way in the global push to tackle climate change, as key announcements at COP include:    • The CIF Capital Market Mechanism was launched on the London Stock Exchange to accelerate climate finance, mobilising up to $75 billion in additional climate capital. 💷   • A bold new UK target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035. 🌱   • £1 billion wind turbine investment that will support 1,300 local jobs around Hull and produce enough clean energy to power 1 million homes. 🏡   • The Clean Industry Bonus, driving sustainable growth in the private sector. 🌏   Of particular note for Eastern Europe and Central Asia was Prime Minister Keir Starmer meeting with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Erdoğan of Türkiye to underscore the UK’s commitment to deepening collaboration, driving forward both political ties and trade opportunities in clean growth. 🤝    Let’s continue working together toward a sustainable future.  If you’re a business exploring clean growth opportunities, reach out to my team at [email protected].

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