Climate Change Levy
The Climate Change Levy (CCL) was introduced in the UK by the 2000 Finance Bill and came into force on April 1 2001. It is a tax on energy use intended to promote energy efficiency and to encourage investment in energy saving equipment. It was originally suggested that it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 5 million tonnes by 2010 as part of the UK government’s strategy for meeting its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.
For the purposes of the Levy, energy use refers to electricity, gas, liquid petroleum gas and solid fuel. The CCL is charged by energy suppliers on behalf of the government from most businesses and public sector bodies that pay VAT at the standard rate. Domestic and charitable non-business energy use is exempt from the CCL, as is energy from some renewable sources and combined heat and power (CHP). There are also partial exemptions for energy intensive users and horticulture users. Ofgem administers the exemption certification scheme for renewable sources and combined heat and power on behalf of HMRC.
There are two rates of Climate Change Levy:
- The main rates of CCL.
- The Carbon Price Support (CPS) rates of CCL.
The main rates of CCL are charged on the supply of specified energy products for use as fuels. The CPS rates are charged on the supply of specified energy products for use in electricity generation (Ref HMRC, Climate Change Levy - introduction to the two rates of CCL).
In the 2016 budget, it was announced the Carbon Reduction Commitment energy efficiency
scheme would be abolished and replaced, in a revenue neutral way, with an increase in the Climate Change Levy from 2019. This it was said was because the scheme had been 'bureaucratic and burdensome'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.