Latest Publications

Better policies on energy and the environment are urgently needed but those policies must command public confidence and consent. We work to ensure those policies take proper account of the needs of all households.

Latest Publications:

Publication

Raising the steaks: developing a market for alternative protein in the UK

This briefing paper considers whether the UK Government should support the development of alternative meat products as part of fulfilling its Net Zero ambitions.
Published: 06 September 2021
Author: Linus Pardoe
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Publication

It ain’t easy being green: maintaining consumer trust in green goods and addressing ‘greenwashing’ claims

This report examines how government and regulators can address the presence of "greenwashing" to ensure consumers do not feel misled by the costs or benefits of climate policy and green goods.
Published: 31 August 2021
Author: Amy Norman
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Publication

Getting the green light: achieving sustainability at a local level

This briefing assesses what role councils and businesses can play in reaching Net Zero and makes a series of recommendations for financing and delivering vital net zero projects in our communities.
Published: 08 July 2021
Author: Scott Corfe
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Publication

Together in electric dreams?

Decarbonising the surface transport sector is one of the most significant aspects of achieving the UK’s legal commitment to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. This report addresses the challenges of rolling out electric vehicles and charging infrastructure efficiently and fairly for all.
Published: 08 March 2021
Author: Amy Norman
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Publication

Boiler alert: addressing the challenges and trade-offs from the decarbonisation of home heat

Informed by a recent expert roundtable and polling evidence commissioned for the SMF, the report highlights a lack of public understanding of Net Zero and the need to transition homes away from natural gas boilers.
Published: 02 November 2020
Author(s): Richard Hyde, Amy Norman
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Publication

Pathway to COP26: the role of green finance

This essay series, collected in partnership with the Chartered Banker Institute, explores the role of green finance in the lead up to COP26 and the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published: 06 October 2020
Author: Social Market Foundation
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Publication

The virus and the climate: winning consent for Net Zero

During the UK’s lockdown, the public accepted considerable social and economic disruption to mitigate the effects of coronavirus. Some have argued that this sets a precedent for further interventions to...
Published: 03 July 2020
Author(s): Amy Norman, James Kirkup
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Publication

Investing in Britain’s future

The findings of this report, informed by a recent private SMF roundtable of experts, politicians and sectoral representatives, include recommendations of how the UK Government can tackle both the existing "infrastructure deficit" and weather the economic storm of COVID-19.
Published: 15 June 2020
Author(s): Richard Hyde, James Kirkup
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Publication

Recreating parks: securing the future of our urban green spaces

Parks have been a vital public service throughout the UK’s lockdown. But their financial plight and health benefits have not been fully recognised. With parks taking on a new place in the national conversation, now is the time to secure their future.
Published: 18 May 2020
Author: Linus Pardoe
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