IDRIC Industrial Decarbonisation Policy Forum- April 2025
1st April 2025, London
The April 2025 IDRIC Policy Forum brought together stakeholders from industry, academia, government and trade unions to explore key enablers of industrial decarbonisation in the UK. Held in Westminster, the forum focused on insights from IDRIC’s Frontiers Report Series, highlighting three core themes: Circular Economy and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Skills and Workforce Planning, and Launch and discussion of the IDRIC Planning, Consenting and Permitting Report.
Each session combined research insights with government and industry reflections, prompting discussion around current barriers and future policy priorities. Participants emphasised the need for clearer coordination, better integration across policy areas and faster, more pragmatic action to unlock progress.
This summary captures the key takeaways and recommendations from the day and is intended to support ongoing collaboration and action beyond the event.
Key Sessions
Circular Economy and Life Cycle Analysis
Session Chair: Chris Williams
Marcelle McManus shared insights on integrating circular economy and life cycle thinking into industrial systems.
Officials from DESNZ and Scottish Government reflected on embedding these principles into policy and practice.
Skills and Workforce Planning
Session Chair: Max Musing
Kirstie Simpson presented findings on future workforce needs for Net Zero.
Reflections from DESNZ, Scottish Government and TUC emphasised just transition and regional planning.
Planning, Consenting and Permitting
Session Chair: Peter Taylor
- Mercedes Maroto-Valer introduced the forthcoming policy report.
Environment Agency, NIC (now NISTA) and EIUG discussed streamlining regulatory processes and reducing barriers to industrial decarbonisation.
Key Themes
Embedding systems thinking in industrial decarbonisation.
Advancing skills and workforce planning for a just transition.
Streamlining planning and permitting to accelerate progress.
A summary can be found below.