The land use challenge: Creating a system to deliver net zero

To tackle climate change and meet the UK’s net zero by 2050 target, there needs to be a significant shift in the way we optimise land use. But with so many competing land priorities, how do we decide what takes precedence?

In this report we have partnered with Gerald Eve to bring you fresh insights from industry experts who unpack the complexities, challenges, and opportunities land use stakeholders face as the UK undergoes the transition to net zero.

With competing land use priorities from renewable generation and green infrastructure, to industry, affordable housing, food security and biodiversity, what must the industry do to create the market conditions for real change to happen, and at the pace we need it to?

Key findings in the report:

Grid capacity and constraints are one of the biggest challenges facing the sector. To solve this there needs to be significant investment in updating grid infrastructure, supported by an increase in grid balancing projects.
Clear regulatory and policy direction is needed to incentivise investment into grid infrastructure and provide clarity around the weight and importance placed on renewable generation projects.
Local and central government are key decision makers in driving local and national opportunities, but without continued support from private sector funders and investors the sector will not grow at the pace needed.
Net zero is a business opportunity, and while increases in grid and land costs are impacting on land values they are not necessarily seen as a cost liability.
Changes to national and local planning policy could be the key to allocating land to renewable generation projects, however this needs to sit hand in hand with investment in the grid.
Regulatory and policy changes, grid upgrades and continued funding – both private and public – are all critical, but without increased public support and a more