Greener, happier, more productive: Can net zero deliver the productivity boost the UK sorely needs?

Michael Holder
clock • 6 min read
Nissan's Sunderland car plant is the largest in the UK | Credit: Nissan
Image:

Nissan's Sunderland car plant is the largest in the UK | Credit: Nissan

The relationship between net zero policy and productivity is sometimes complex, but with the right policy planning the latter can help drive the former, fresh analysis argues

Sluggish productivity has long been a thorn in the side of the UK economy. Slow UK growth in output and real wages over the past lost decade-and-a-half has meant these metrics are barely any better...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Policy

WWF: Climate policies can cut bills, lift people out of fuel poverty, and drive growth

WWF: Climate policies can cut bills, lift people out of fuel poverty, and drive growth

Report set outs package of reforms to remove policy costs from electricity bills, offer renters access to clean energy, and incentivise sustainable farming

Stuart Stone
clock 25 August 2026 • 5 min read
Government to give Mayors greater power over planning decisions

Government to give Mayors greater power over planning decisions

Mayors across England to be given authority to 'call in' local council planning decisions, in latest move designed to green light more housing and infrastructure projects

James Murray
clock 24 August 2026 • 2 min read
Government urged to develop new roadmap to 'defossilise' UK economy

Government urged to develop new roadmap to 'defossilise' UK economy

Experts argue that regardless of decision on controversial North Sea drilling projects, the government should develop a clearer roadmap for the UK's transition away from fossil fuels

James Murray
clock 21 August 2026 • 4 min read