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
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.