“A new report from the National Engineering Policy Centre about resource efficiency and demand reduction for critical materials to support the UKās existing Net Zero Strategy.
This report providesĀ an overview of theĀ underutilised policy options forĀ achieving reductions in demands forĀ critical materials andĀ dependency on imports of scarceĀ materials.
It presents a range of policy and engineering interventions around three main areas of demand-side resource management. These include: infrastructure and technology planning, design and designĀ skillsĀ and circular economy.
The report concludes withĀ 25 recommendations for policymakersĀ which will help the UK cut its critical material footprint.Ā Lead recommendations from the report call for: an integrated materials strategy, a National Materials Data Hub, infrastructure planning for material sustainability, and a new target to halve the UK’s material footprint.
The report also makes specific recommendations for targeted action, such as committing to the ban on single-use vapes, and improving repair and recycling of electronics to reduce e-waste.
Without intervention, the UK risks not achieving its Net Zero strategy and exposure to future economic uncertainty.” ā The Royal Academy of Engineering
- National Engineering Policy Centre / Royal Academy of Engineering report – Critical Materials (October 2023)
- Download the Critical Materials report
Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein are solely that of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of the Engineering Professorsā Council or the Toolkit sponsors and supporters.
