Every company designing a new non-domestic public or private building will have to provide separate single-sex toilets for women and men and/or a self-contained, private toilet as a minimum. That’s a new announcement that Government is bringing forward a consultation on new regulations, in a change which comes amid dignity and privacy concerns from women and elderly people who feel they are being unfairly disadvantaged as publicly accessible toilets are increasingly being converted into gender-neutral facilities. Concerns over the rise of neutral gender facilities has meant that public have been forced to share cubicle and hand-washing facilities, leading to increasing waiting in shared queues, decreased choice and a limitation on privacy and dignity for all. New regulations and guidance will mean women, who may need to use facilities more often because of pregnancy or sanitary needs, will now be guaranteed appropriate facilities either through a separate single-sex space or through a self-contained, private toilet. The action taken today builds upon the Government’s commitment and wider approach to the protection of single sex spaces. In addition to single sex toilets becoming the default and minimum for new non-residential buildings and places undertaking major refurbishment, the guidelines will encourage the consideration of self-contained toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use. This new approach will help to maximise privacy and dignity for of all, which will be explicit in the guidance. A new short technical consultation to shape the changes will open tomorrow. Kemi Badenoch, Minister for Women and Equalities, said: “It is important that everybody has privacy and dignity when using public facilities. Yet the move towards ‘gender neutral’ toilets has removed this fundamental right for women and girls. “These proposals will ensure every new building in England is required to provide separate male and female or unisex facilities, and publish guidance to explain the difference, protecting the dignity, privacy and safety of all.”

British businesses will be able to access brand new advice and support to reduce their energy bills while cutting their carbon emissions. The UK Business Climate Hub launched today includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy. It offers detailed advice on everything from sourcing products from green suppliers and reducing emissions from freight and logistics to the most cost-effective ways of installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The new support is aimed particularly at the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs, with business and industry accounting for around 25% of emissions. Research shows that 90% of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but find it difficult to know how or where to start to find the right solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Studies also show 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from a business with a reputation for sustainability, meaning going green can help grow the economy. Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, said: “The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy in the world. More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so. The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills.

Whether it’s fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards net zero.

The new UK Business Climate Hub serves as a one-stop-shop for businesses who have yet to start making changes, as well as those who are already taking action to reduce emissions but want to take things to the next level. As well as helping bosses measure and report on their emissions, the site provides advice and support on an array of things, including:

• switching employee modes of transport and paying less for company EVs
• getting business grants, green loans and financing for a retrofit
• getting an air source heat pump
• generating green energy with a wind turbine and selling it back to the grid
• reducing emissions from farming and land use
• buying credible carbon offsets
• getting low-carbon product labels and certifications
• reducing waste and recycling more

National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, Martin McTague, said: “SMEs recognise their role in net zero but many still find it challenging to access the relevant support and resources to play their part. This new official platform for advice and support will really help.

“In addition to helping small firms become more energy and resource efficient, the hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy.”

Businesses in South Yorkshire will benefit from a £3.4million investment to help them reduce their carbon emissions. Running until March 2025, the project will provide support to 260 SMEs in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham to help them understand the opportunities available to reduce their carbon footprint. Businesses will benefit from a free energy audit to identify potential energy saving improvements such as low-energy lighting systems or insulation. Delivered by South Yorkshire’s local authorities, the project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. Low carbon grants are also available to help businesses invest in solutions to reduce their energy consumption and costs, helping them to become more productive, resilient, and environmentally friendly. As part of the package of support available, specialist advisors will provide comprehensive advice and support throughout the process. Karen Sherwood is the founder and owner of Cupola Contemporary Art in Sheffield. She benefited from funding to help her save on energy costs, in particular heating and lighting. She was supported to lower ceilings, install insulation and motion sensor lighting, and upgrade the boiler. This helped Karen reduce her energy usage, improve the customer experience and demonstrate commitment to reducing her carbon footprint. Karen said: “The Low Carbon Advisor was personable, honest and responsive to my questions. I felt I was talking to somebody who understood what I might not know. They did what they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it. Without support and match funding, I wouldn’t have been able to implement the same programme of improvements.” Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee said: “We know many business owners want to reduce energy costs and do their bit for the planet but it can be difficult to plan how to reduce your carbon footprint and find the money to pay for carbon saving measures. “Specialist advisors will help businesses identify where they can make changes that save budgets and tackle the climate crisis. Low carbon grants will bring ideas into action and give businesses the financial support they need to make changes that will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions whilst improving efficiency and resilience. “This scheme will give owners the confidence and support they need to make sustainable changes to their business, something that is crucial if we are to look after our planet and let business thrive.”