The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has signed a joint letter with 14 other professional bodies urging the Conservative MPs vying to become the next prime minister to re-commit to net zero targets.

The co-signed letter from the Professional Bodies Climate Action Charter – represented 13 million members covering sectors including waste, construction and engineering – was sent to the candidates in the Conservative Party leadership contest.

There have been fears the incoming prime minister may not carry on with a range of existing environmental policies because of rising inflation and energy costs.

The letter said: “We have already witnessed the significant benefits of investing in the net zero transition. For example, the low-carbon renewables sector has grown in value to over £200bn, employing over 1.2 million people.

Net Zero Strategy

“This has been supported by Government initiatives such as the Net Zero Strategy and the UK’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. Delivering the Net Zero Strategy could create another 440,000 well-paying jobs and unlock £90 billion in private investment by 2030.”

It added: “As the Conservative Party prepares to welcome a new prime minister to lead the UK, it is important that MPs prioritise net zero in order to meet the ambition and demand of the private sector.”

The CIWM called for the new prime minister to “clearly commit to delivering the transition to unlock these opportunities nationwide”.

Chief executive Sarah Poulter said: “The waste and resource management sector has a vital role to play in enabling the UK to meet its net zero commitment by 2050. Visit

“Last year CIWM set out its own ambition to become a net zero organisation and we will soon be launching a sector-wide strategy that will support our members on their journey towards net zero.”

The continuation of reforms to the waste industry have been put in doubt by the upheaval following the resignation of Boris Johnson.

Environment secretary George Eustice signalled there may be further delays to extended producer responsibility and deposit return scheme roll-out because of the rising cost of food and drink.

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