The UK Autumn Budget 2024 promises targeted funding and policies to boost energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and sustainable infrastructure. But are these changes enough to drive measurable impact on the road to net zero?
At measurable.energy, we break down the key policies that will directly affect businesses looking to optimise energy use, lower emissions, and advance their sustainability goals.
Here’s what you need to know:
To support businesses in energy-intensive sectors as they decarbonise and scale sustainably, the government has committed £163 million to extend the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) through 2027-28. This fund, originally launched in 2020, is essential for high-energy-use businesses aiming to transition to low-carbon operations, helping them to reduce both energy bills and emissions.
With £500 million in funding available over three phases, the IETF enables the deployment of low-carbon, energy-efficient technology that can transform the energy landscape for industries reliant on high consumption.
Decarbonising buildings and making them more energy-efficient are critical steps toward achieving net zero. The government has allocated over £1 billion for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of public buildings across the UK over the next three years. Hundreds of local energy schemes are set to benefit, with funding directed at reducing reliance on carbon-intensive heating systems.
This initiative is a signal that businesses with high-demand sites should prepare for a future where sustainable practices are not just encouraged but expected.
With £13 billion in additional capital investment, the budget brings total departmental spending on infrastructure to £131 billion in 2025-26. This funding will enhance grid resilience, support renewable energy integration, and facilitate crucial upgrades to accelerate the clean energy transition.
For energy-intensive industries, this investment aims to lower operational emissions and energy costs by increasing access to renewable sources, building a more robust energy infrastructure to facilitate crucial upgrades to accelerate the clean energy transition.
Starting in 2026, energy-efficient properties will receive a permanent discount multiplier on business rates, making sustainable upgrades more financially rewarding. Properties achieving high energy standards may qualify for additional rate relief, encouraging businesses to invest in sustainable building infrastructure.
The government has increased the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) on oil and gas companies from 35% to 38%, removing the existing 29% investment allowance and extending the levy until 2030. This adjustment reinforces the shift toward renewables by encouraging oil and gas companies to reinvest profits into low-carbon energy.
For companies that are exploring transitions away from fossil fuels, this levy signals that the energy landscape is evolving—and rapidly.
The National Wealth Fund (NWF) has been bolstered with an additional £5.8 billion aimed at funding long-term infrastructure, renewable energy, and green technology projects. The goal is to catalyse over £70 billion in private investment, providing a strong capital base for businesses aiming to scale green initiatives and align with net zero objectives.
While the budget raises the employer National Insurance contribution rate to 15% in 2025, it also expands the Employment Allowance to help mitigate the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This provides vital support for green-focused SMEs, helping them to retain skilled talent for roles in sustainable construction, energy management, and beyond. A skilled workforce is essential to drive the adoption and effectiveness of innovative energy technologies.
While the Autumn Budget provides essential funding, achieving the UK’s climate goals will require sustained innovation. Businesses that adopt advanced energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices are not only contributing to a greener future but are also positioned for a competitive edge.
measurable.energy’s AI-powered solutions are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling businesses to monitor and reduce wasted energy, cut emissions, and meet their sustainability goals.
“The recent Budget is a promising step forward in the UK's journey towards a sustainable energy future. The significant investments in energy efficiency and decarbonisation offer opportunities for businesses to reduce energy consumption and costs. measurable.energy is committed to helping businesses capitalise on these opportunities, providing AI-powered solutions to optimise energy use and achieve their sustainability goals. With increased adoption of innovative energy-efficient technologies, we can accelerate progress towards net zero and build a more sustainable future."
At measurable.energy, we’re dedicated to helping businesses eliminate wasted energy, reduce carbon emissions, and cut costs through our AI-powered solutions.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you navigate the path to net zero and unlock the benefits of smarter energy management.